Certain gut bacteria can prevent muscle breakdown

        Many strength athletes dread losing their hard-trained muscles again. To prevent this from happening, they adhere to strict training and nutrition plans. According to a study, intestinal bacteria can also prevent muscle breakdown.

        Anyone who has been ill or injured for a long time or who has let their diet drag on while on vacation knows how quickly the hard-won muscles are broken down again.

        As a consolation, a study by the  Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore found that very specific intestinal bacteria can actually prevent muscle breakdown. The scientists publish the study results in the journal ' Science Translation Magazine '. 

That is why the intestinal flora is so important

        Trillions of bacteria live in the gut itself. They usually settle in the large intestine - there they form the natural intestinal flora, which includes all microorganisms and bacteria, and is also known as the intestinal microbiota. The composition of this flora has a huge impact on health, mood and even weight. 

        A healthy intestinal flora is so important for the body because it prevents the spread of pathogens in the intestine, contributes to the function of the immune system, breaks down harmful substances and produces vitamins and hormones. 

        If the functions of the intestinal flora are disturbed, it can lead to an undersupply of various cells in the body - and according to a new study also to muscle breakdown. 

Are the intestinal flora and skeletal muscles really related?

        The skeletal muscles are not only important for locomotion, but also for the regulation of metabolic function.

        In their study, the scientists examined the interactions between intestinal flora and skeletal muscles in mice. They identified genes and signaling pathways that are involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle mass and function and that responded to indications from the intestinal flora  .

        The researchers hoped that the results would provide a better understanding of the role of the intestinal flora in the mechanisms underlying muscle loss.

This is how researchers examined the mice

        In the course of the study, the researchers examined germ-free mice that had no intestinal bacteria and normal, healthy mice that could have an active intestinal flora with intestinal microbes. 

        The scientists compared the skeletal muscle of germ-free mice without an intestinal microbiota with the skeletal muscle of pathogen-free - i.e. healthy - mice with an intestinal microbiota. 

In addition, the mice were examined for their strength and movement. 

Mice with gut microbiota have stronger skeletons

        In fact, the mice without a healthy intestinal flora had a weaker skeleton, less strength and restricted movement. 

        In addition, the team transplanted intestinal bacteria from healthy mice into the germ-free mice.  This transplant resulted in an increase in skeletal muscle mass, a reduction in muscle wasting and an improved metabolic capacity of the muscle. 

Transplant increases exercise

        The researchers were able to determine that the mice that lacked gut microbes had a lower level of certain proteins - these proteins play a key role in the movement of the body.

        They help establish connections between nerve cells and muscles that control movement and make it possible in the first place. Treating germ-free mice with precisely these proteins has partially reversed the damage to the skeletal muscles.

        In addition, the team found that the transplant increased the activity of enzymes in the mitochondria of germ-free mice. The increase in enzyme activity in the mitochondria helped the germ-free mice to generate more energy and thus be able to run longer distances at higher speeds. 

Healthy intestinal flora is essential

        The results of the studies show that a healthy intestinal flora is particularly important.

        Not only does it keep the body healthy, it can also ensure that you build muscles better and that you can no longer lose them so quickly. In addition, the results could be an important step in the right direction for treating muscle wasting in old age. 

However, the researchers point out that more specific studies and investigations are necessary.