A species of gut bacteria called Roseburia inulinivorans is specifically associated with human muscle strength and improved muscular performance in mice, finds research published online in the journal Gut.
R inulinivorans changes certain metabolic processes in muscle, and converts muscle fibres to ‘fast-twitch (type II)—designed for short intensive movement, such as sprinting and weights-the findings show.
R inulinivorans holds promise as a nutraceutical probiotic for treating age-related muscle wasting disease, suggest the Dutch and Spanish researchers.
Dwindling muscle mass and strength are major contributors to frailty, reduced mobility and functionality, and poor health, particularly as people age and among those with long term conditions, they explain.
Gut bacteria have been…