Gut Health-Promoting Benefits of a Dietary Supplement of Vitamins with Inulin and Acacia Fibers in Rats

Pharmacological benefits of Acacia against metabolic diseases: intestinal-level bioactivities and favorable modulation of gut microbiota

CONTEXT

Obesity-associated chronic metabolic disease is a leading contributor to mortality globally. Plants belonging to the genera Acacia are routinely used for the treatment of diverse metabolic diseases under different ethnomedicinal practices around the globe.

OBJECTIVE

The current review centres around the pharmacological evidence of intestinal-level mechanisms for metabolic health benefits by Acacia spp.

RESULTS

Acacia spp. increase the proportions of gut commensals (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and reduces the population of opportunistic pathobionts (Escherichia coli and Clostridium). Acacia gum that is rich in fibre, can also be a source of prebiotics to improve gut health. The intestinal-level anti-inflammatory activities of Acacia are likely to contribute to improvements in gut barrier function that would prevent gut-to-systemic endotoxin translocation and limit "low-grade" inflammation associated with metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive review for the first time has emphasised the intestinal-level benefits of Acacia spp. which could be instrumental in limiting the burden of metabolic disease.

Optimizing the Gut Microbiota for Individualized Performance Development in Elite Athletes

The human gut microbiota can be compared to a fingerprint due to its uniqueness, hosting trillions of living organisms. Taking a sport-centric perspective, the gut microbiota might represent a physiological system that relates to health aspects as well as individualized performance in athletes. The athletes' physiology has adapted to their exceptional lifestyle over the years, including the diversity and taxonomy of the microbiota. The gut microbiota is influenced by several physiological parameters and requires a highly individual and complex approach to unravel the linkage between performance and the microbial community. This approach has been taken in this review, highlighting the functions that the microbial community performs in sports, naming gut-centered targets, and aiming for both a healthy and sustainable athlete and performance development. With this article, we try to consider whether initiating a microbiota analysis is practicable and could add value in elite sport, and what possibilities it holds when influenced through a variety of interventions. The aim is to support enabling a well-rounded and sustainable athlete and establish a new methodology in elite sport.

Role of microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum in alleviating intestinal inflammatory damage through promoting epithelial proliferation and differentiation in layer chicks

The alleviating effects of Lactobacillus plantarum in microencapsulation (LPM) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury were investigated in layer chicks. A total of 252 healthy Hy-Line Brown layer chicks were randomly divided into six groups. Birds were injected with saline or LPS except for the control, and the diets of birds subjected to LPS were supplemented with nothing, L. plantarum, LPM, and wall material of LPM, respectively. The viable counts of LPM reached 109 CFU/g, and the supplemental levels of L. plantarum, LPM, and WM were 0.02 g (109 CFU), 1.0 g, and 0.98 g, per kilogram feed, respectively. LPS administration caused intestinal damage in layer chicks, evidenced by increased proinflammatory factors accompanied by poor intestinal development and morphology (p < 0.05). LPM/LPS significantly increased body weight, small intestine weight and length, villus height, villus height/crypt depth, and mRNA relative expression of tight junction protein genes (p < 0.05) and performed better than free L. plantarum. These findings could be attributed to the significant increase in viable counts of L. plantarum in the small intestine (p < 0.05), as well as the enhanced levels of Actinobacteriota, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus in intestinal microbiota (p < 0.05). Such results could further significantly increase goblet and PCNA+ cell percentage (p < 0.05); the mRNA relative expressions of epithelial cell, fast-cycling stem cell, quiescent stem cell, endocrine cell, and Paneth cell; and goblet and proliferative cell marker genes, including E-cadherin, Lgr-5, Bmi-1, ChA, Lysozome, Mucin-2, and PCNA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA relative expressions of key genes involved in epithelial cell proliferation, namely, c-Myc, Cyclin-1, Wnt-3, Lrp-5, and Olfm-4, exhibited significant upregulation compared with the LPS treatment, as well as the differentiating genes Notch-1 and Hes-1 (p < 0.05). To sum up, microencapsulated L. plantarum supplementation could alleviate intestinal injury in layer chicks induced by LPS by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells, which could be attributed to the increase in viable count of L. plantarum in the gut and optimization in intestinal microbial flora.

Bioavailability of Macroelements from Synbiotic Sheep's Milk Ice Cream

To determine the potential bioavailability of macroelements (Ca, Mg, P, K), probiotic ice cream samples (Lactaseibacillus paracasei L-26, Lactobacillus casei 431, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5, Lactaseibacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12) from sheep's milk with inulin, apple fiber and inulin, or apple fiber and control samples were submitted to in vitro digestion in the mouth, stomach and small intestine. The bioavailability of calcium in the ice cream samples ranged from 40.63% to 54.40%, whereas that of magnesium was 55.64% to 44.42%. The highest bioavailability of calcium and magnesium was shown for the control samples. However, adding 4% inulin reduced the bioavailability of calcium by about 3-5% and magnesium only by about 5-6%. Adding 4% apple fiber reduced the bioavailability of calcium by as much as 6-12% and magnesium by 7-8%. The highest bioavailability of calcium was determined in ice cream with L. paracasei, and the highest bioavailability of magnesium was determined in ice cream with L. casei. The bioavailability of phosphorus in ice cream ranged from 47.82% to 50.94%. The highest bioavailability of phosphorus (>50%) was in sheep ice cream fermented by B. animalis. In the control ice cream, the bioavailability of potassium was about 60%. In ice cream with inulin, the bioavailability of potassium was lower by 3-4%, and in ice cream with apple fiber, the bioavailability of potassium was lower by up to 6-9%. The bioavailability of potassium was significantly influenced only by the addition of dietary fiber. The results of the study confirmed the beneficial effect of bacteria on the bioavailability of Ca, Mg and P.

Dietary fiber modulates gut microbiome and metabolome in a host sex-specific manner in a murine model of aging

Emerging evidence reveals the fundamental role of the gut microbiome in human health. Among various factors regulating our gut microbiome, diet is one of the most indispensable and prominent one. Inulin is one of the most widely-studied dietary fiber for its beneficial prebiotic effects by positively modulating the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites. Recent research underscores sexual dimorphism and sex-specific disparities in microbiome and also diet-microbiome interactions. However, whether and how the prebiotic effects of dietary fiber differ among sexes remain underexplored. To this end, we herein examine sex-specific differences in the prebiotic effects of inulin on gut microbiome and metabolome in a humanized murine model of aging i.e., aged mice carrying human fecal microbiota. The findings demonstrate that inulin exerts prebiotic effects, but in a sex-dependent manner. Overall, inulin increases the proportion of Bacteroides, Blautia, and glycine, while decreasing Eggerthella, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, trimethylamine, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, leucine and methionine in both sexes. However, we note sex-specific effects of inulin including suppression of f_Enteroccaceae:_, Odoribacter, bile acids, malonate, thymine, valine, acetoin, and ethanol while promotion of Dubosiella, pyruvate, and glycine in males. Whereas, suppression of Faecalibaculum, Lachnoclostridium, Schaedlerella, phenylalanine and enhancement of Parasutterella, Phocaeicola, f_Lachnospiraceae;_, Barnesiella, Butyricimonas, glycine, propionate, acetate and glutamate are observed in females. Altogether, the study reveals that prebiotic mechanisms of dietary fiber vary in a sex-dependent manner, underscoring the importance of including both sexes in preclinical/clinical studies to comprehend the mechanisms and functional aspects of dietary interventions for effective extrapolation and translation in precision nutrition milieus.

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Gut Dysbiosis: What Can Polyphenols Do in Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term, progressive, and recurrent intestinal inflammatory disorder. The pathogenic mechanisms of IBD are multifaceted and associated with oxidative stress, unbalanced gut microbiota, and aberrant immune response. Indeed, oxidative stress can affect the progression and development of IBD by regulating the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and immune response. Therefore, redox-targeted therapy is a promising treatment option for IBD. Recent evidence has verified that Chinese herbal medicine (CHM)-derived polyphenols, natural antioxidants, are able to maintain redox equilibrium in the intestinal tract to prevent abnormal gut microbiota and radical inflammatory responses. Here, we provide a comprehensive perspective for implementing natural antioxidants as potential IBD candidate medications. In addition, we demonstrate novel technologies and stratagems for promoting the antioxidative properties of CHM-derived polyphenols, including novel delivery systems, chemical modifications, and combination strategies.

Metallobiology of Lactobacillaceae in the gut microbiome

Lactobacillaceae are a diverse family of lactic acid bacteria found in the gut microbiota of humans and many animals. These bacteria exhibit beneficial effects on intestinal health, including modulating the immune system and providing protection against pathogens, and many species are frequently used as probiotics. Gut bacteria acquire essential metal ions, like iron, zinc, and manganese, through the host diet and changes to the levels of these metals are often linked to alterations in microbial community composition, susceptibility to infection, and gastrointestinal diseases. Lactobacillaceae are frequently among the organisms increased or decreased in abundance due to changes in metal availability, yet many of the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes have yet to be defined. Metal requirements and metallotransporters have been studied in some species of Lactobacillaceae, but few of the mechanisms used by these bacteria to respond to metal limitation or excess have been investigated. This review provides a current overview of these mechanisms and covers how iron, zinc, and manganese impact Lactobacillaceae in the gut microbiota with an emphasis on their biochemical roles, requirements, and homeostatic mechanisms in several species.

Impact of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Gut Bacterial Bile Acid Metabolism in Humans

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disease. We previously conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial of FMT in obese metabolically healthy patients in which we found that FMT enhanced gut bacterial bile acid metabolism and delayed the development of impaired glucose tolerance relative to the placebo control group. Therefore, we conducted a secondary analysis of fecal samples collected from these patients to assess the potential gut microbial species contributing to the effect of FMT to improve metabolic health and increase gut bacterial bile acid metabolism. Fecal samples collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of FMT or placebo treatment underwent shotgun metagenomic analysis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to profile fecal bile acids. FMT-enriched bacteria that have been implicated in gut bile acid metabolism included Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis and Clostridium hylemonae. To identify candidate bacteria involved in gut microbial bile acid metabolism, we assessed correlations between bacterial species abundance and bile acid profile, with a focus on bile acid products of gut bacterial metabolism. Bacteroides ovatus and Phocaeicola dorei were positively correlated with unconjugated bile acids. Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Collinsella aerofaciens, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were positively correlated with secondary bile acids. Together, these data identify several candidate bacteria that may contribute to the metabolic benefits of FMT and gut bacterial bile acid metabolism that requires further functional validation.

Polysaccharides from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp improves intestinal barrier functions of high fat diet-induced obese rats

Polysaccharides show protective effects on intestinal barrier function due to their effectiveness in mitigating oxidative damage, inflammation and probiotic effects. Little has been known about the effects of polysaccharides from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. pulp (jackfruit, JFP-Ps) on intestinal barrier function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of JFP-Ps on intestinal barrier function in high fat diet-induced obese rats. H&E staining and biochemical analysis were performed to measure the pathological and inflammatory state of the intestine as well as oxidative damage. Expression of the genes and proteins associated with intestinal health and inflammation were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blots. Results showed that JFP-Ps promoted bowel movements and modified intestinal physiochemical environment by lowering fecal pH and increasing fecal water content. JFP-Ps also alleviated oxidative damage of the colon, relieved intestinal colonic inflammation, and regulated blood glucose transport in the small intestine. In addition, JFP-Ps modified intestinal physiological status through repairing intestinal mucosal damage and increasing the thickness of the mucus layer. Furthermore, JFP-Ps downregulated the inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6) and up-regulated the free fatty acid receptors (GPR41 and GPR43) and tight junction protein (occludin). These results revealed that JFP-Ps showed a protective effect on intestinal function through enhancing the biological, mucosal, immune and mechanical barrier functions of the intestine, and activating SCFAs-GPR41/GPR43 related signaling pathways. JFP-Ps may be used as a promising phytochemical to improve human intestinal health.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Therapeutic of Natural Origin (NTN) in Adult Patients with Lactose Intolerance: A Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Film-forming substances, such as natural polysaccharides (NP) and pea proteins (PP), act as a protective barrier for treating various gastrointestinal conditions. We assessed the efficacy and safety of a novel therapeutic of natural origin (NTN) containing NP and PP for symptomatic treatment of lactose intolerance. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study, patients with lactose intolerance received NTN (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 7 days, then the alternate treatment for 7 days. Patients rated their gastrointestinal symptoms using a 7-point Likert scale. The lactose hydrogen breath test was used to assess exhaled hydrogen. Results: NTN as primary or crossover treatment significantly improved patient-reported symptoms of bloating, distension, and abdominal pain. Abdominal pain also improved under primary treatment with placebo. Primary treatment with NTN, but not placebo, normalized mean exhaled hydrogen levels. In the group allocated initially to placebo, crossover to NTN attenuated the increase in hydrogen production. No treatment-related adverse effects were reported in either group. Conclusions: Subjective improvements in bloating, distension, and abdominal pain with NTN were supported by objective evidence of hydrogen production normalization. NTN appears to be a useful alternative to lactose avoidance or enzyme replacement in patients with lactose intolerance.

Diet and Microbiome in Health and Aging

After several years of research, sufficient evidence has been found supporting that diet is one of the main factors able to modulate both composition and activity of the intestinal microbiota, thus positioning it as a cornerstone in the host-microbiota interface [...]

Alteration in Gut Microbiota Associated with Zinc Deficiency in School-Age Children

Zinc deficiency could lead to a dynamic variation in gut microbial composition and function in animals. However, how zinc deficiency affects the gut microbiome in school-age children remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to profile the dynamic shifts in the gut microbiome of school-age children with zinc deficiency, and to determine whether such shifts are associated with dietary intake. A dietary survey, anthropometric measurements, and serum tests were performed on 177 school-age children, and 67 children were selected to explore the gut microbial community using amplicon sequencing. School-age children suffered from poor dietary diversity and insufficient food and nutrient intake, and 32% of them were zinc deficient. The inflammatory cytokines significantly increased in the zinc deficiency (ZD) group compared to that in the control (CK) group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in beta diversity, while the Shannon index was much higher in the ZD group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Coprobacter, Acetivibrio, Paraprevotella, and Clostridium_XI were more abundant in the ZD group (p < 0.05). A functional predictive analysis showed that the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 was significantly depleted in the ZD group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, gut microbial diversity was affected by zinc deficiency with some specific bacteria highlighted in the ZD group, which may be used as biomarkers for further clinical diagnosis of zinc deficiency.

Efficacy of a Novel Therapeutic, Based on Natural Ingredients and Probiotics, in a Murine Model of Multiple Food Intolerance and Maldigestion

Patients with hypersensitive gut mucosa often suffer from food intolerances (FIs) associated with an inadequate gastrointestinal function that affects 15-20% of the population. Current treatments involve elimination diets, but require careful control, are difficult to maintain long-term, and diagnosis remains challenging. This study aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of a novel therapeutic of natural (NTN) origin containing food-grade polysaccharides, proteins, and grape seed extract to restore intestinal function in a murine model of fructose, carbohydrate, and fat intolerances. All experiments were conducted in four-week-old male CD1 mice. To induce FIs, mice were fed with either a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD), high-fat diet (HFD), or high-fructose diet (HFrD), respectively. After two weeks of treatment, several parameters and endpoints were evaluated such as food and water intake, body weight, histological score in several organs, gut permeability, intestinal epithelial integrity, and biochemical endpoints. Our results demonstrated that the therapeutic agent significantly restored gut barrier integrity and permeability compromised by every FIs induction. Restoration of intestinal function by NTN treatment has consequently improved tissue damage in several functional organs involved in the diagnostic of each intolerance such as the pancreas for HCD and liver for HFD and HFrD. Taken together, our results support NTN as a promising natural option in the non-pharmacological strategy for the recovery of intestinal dysregulation, supporting the well-being of the gastrointestinal tract.

The effect of inulin-type fructans on the intestinal immune function of antibiotic-treated mice

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with inulin-type fructans (ITFs) on the intestinal immune function in the context of dysbiosis resulting from antibiotic cocktail (ABx) treatment. BALB/c mice (8-9 weeks of age) were treated with an ABx for 3 weeks and then allowed to recover spontaneously or with ITF supplementation (5%) for 4 weeks. Our results showed that ABx treatment can induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation in mice. After 4 weeks of recovery, ITF supplementation restored the composition of the intestinal microbial community. However, compared with spontaneous recovery, ITF supplementation delayed inflammation recovery in the intestine and upregulated diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content in serum. In addition, ITF supplementation delayed the regulatory T (Treg) cell and B cell recovery in the lamina propria (LP). Furthermore, compared with spontaneous recovery, ITF supplementation inhibited the relative expression of certain proinflammatory genes, such as for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumour necrosis factor α (Tnf-α), in the colon, but it reduced the secretion of the anti-inflammatory mediator transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in serum, reduced the secretion of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in the colon and promoted the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A. In conclusion, these data supported the hypothesis that the influence of ITFs on the host's intestinal status is not always beneficial in the context of ABx-induced biological disorder. However, the significance of these findings needs to be determined by advanced studies KEY POINTS: • ITFs did not promote the recovery of microbial community composition. • ITFs delayed the recovery of ABx-induced colonic inflammation. • ITFs reduced the secretion of TGF-β1 and SIgA. • ITFs delayed the recovery of Treg and B cells in the LP.

Effect of Changes in Photoperiods on Melatonin Expression and Gut Health Parameters in Laying Ducks

We investigated the effect of photoperiod on ileal morphology, barrier function, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents, microbial flora, melatonin expression, and synthesis in laying ducks. After adaption, a total of 180 Jinding laying ducks (252 days old) were randomly divided into three treatments, receiving 12L (hours of light):12D (hours of darkness), 16L:8D, or 20L:4D. Each treatment had six replicates with 10 birds each. The formal experiment lasted 58 days. Compared with 12L:12D, the significantly higher values of villus height and goblet cell percentage (GCP) were observed in 16L:8D treatment, accompanied with the higher mRNA relative expression of zonula occludens-1, zonula occludens-2, zonula occludens-3, claudin-1, occludin, and mucin 2 (P < 0.05). Besides, significantly higher values of acetate and propionate, butyrate and total SCFA concentrations were simultaneously observed in ileal chyme of 16L:8D treatment (P < 0.05). For the ileal microbial community, the results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) visually presented that three photoperiod groups were mainly scattered into three clusters, indicating that the microbiota composition in different photoperiod treatments were quite dissimilar. Lower values of Shannon indicators were observed in the 20L:4D treatment (P < 0.05), meaning that the microbiota α-diversity decreased in the 20-h photoperiod. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria at phylum level and Fusobacterium, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Pectobacterium at genus level kept an appropriate balance in the 16L:8D photoperiod. Melatonin level in serum decreased with the increasing photoperiods at 6:00 and 12:00, which was consistent with melatonin receptor expressions in the hypothalamus and ileal tissue. Meanwhile, the adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic phosphate (cAMP) contents were significantly downregulated in the pineal gland (P < 0.05), in response to the increase in photoperiod. In conclusion, an appropriate photoperiod could improve ileal morphology, barrier function, SCFA profile, and microbial flora, which may be attributed to the appropriate regulation of the circadian rhythm through melatonin as well as its receptor expression, and 16 h could be an adequate photoperiod for laying ducks.

Prebiotic Galacto-oligosaccharides and Fructo-oligosaccharides, but not Acacia Gum, Increase Iron Absorption from a Single High-dose Ferrous Fumarate Supplement in Iron-depleted Women

BACKGROUND

Prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) increase iron absorption from fortification-level iron doses given as ferrous fumarate (FeFum) in women and children. Whether GOS or other fibers, such as prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and acacia gum, increase iron absorption from higher supplemental doses of FeFum is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

In iron-depleted [serum ferritin (SF)< 25μg/L] women,  we tested if oral co-administration of 15g of GOS, FOS or acacia gum increases iron absorption from a 100mg iron supplement given as FeFum.

METHODS

In a randomized, single-blind cross-over study, 30 women (median age 26.2 years, median SF 12.9μg/L) consumed a 100mg iron tablet labelled with 4mg of 57Fe or 58Fe, given with either: a) 15g GOS; b) 15g FOS; c) 15g acacia gum; or d) 6.1g lactose and 1.5g sucrose (control; matching the amounts of sucrose and lactose present in the GOS powder providing 15 g GOS), dissolved in water. The primary outcome, fractional iron absorption (FIA), was assessed by erythrocyte isotopic incorporation 14 days after administration. Data were analysed using a linear mixed-effect model. We also tested, in vitro, iron solubility at different pH and dialyzability from the different supplement combinations administered in vivo.

RESULTS

FIA from FeFum given with GOS and FOS was significantly higher (+45% and 51%, respectively; P < 0.001 for both) compared with control; total iron absorption [median (IQR)] was 34.6 (28.4; 49.1); 36.1 (29.0; 46.2) and 23.9 (20.5; 34.0) mg, respectively. Acacia gum did not significantly affect FIA from FeFum (P = 0.688). In vitro, iron dialyzability of FeFum + GOS was 46% higher than of FeFum alone (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In iron-depleted women, both GOS and FOS co-administration with FeFum increase iron absorption by ∼50% from a 100mg oral iron dose, resulting in an additional 10-12mg of absorbed iron. Thus, GOS and FOS may be promising new enhancers of supplemental iron absorption.The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04194255 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04194255).

Which Microbes Like My Diet and What Does It Mean for My Heart?

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of hospitalization, death and disability in Europe. Despite our knowledge of nonmodifiable and modifiable cardiovascular classical risk factors, the morbidity and mortality in this group of diseases remains high, leading to high social and economic costs. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new factors, such as the gut microbiome, that may play a role in many crucial pathological processes related to cardiovascular diseases. Diet is a potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are nutrients that are essential to the proper function of the human body. The style and composition of the human diet has changed over time, evolving from a hunter–gatherer diet to an industrialized and Westernized modern diet that includes processed products. The relationship between the gut microbiome, diet and cardiovascular diseases is complex and still not fully understood. In this review, we discuss, in the context of diet, why particular microbes occur in individuals and how they can influence the host’s cardiovascular system in health and disease. We investigate the role of particular microorganisms and changes in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.

Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Minerals in Relation to a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Adequate amounts of a wide range of micronutrients are needed by body tissues to maintain health. Dietary intake must be sufficient to meet these micronutrient requirements. Mineral deficiency does not seem to be the result of a physically active life or of athletic training but is more likely to arise from disturbances in the quality and quantity of ingested food. The lack of some minerals in the body appears to be symbolic of the modern era reflecting either the excessive intake of empty calories or a negative energy balance from drastic weight-loss diets. Several animal studies provide convincing evidence for an association between dietary micronutrient availability and microbial composition in the gut. However, the influence of human gut microbiota on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of trace elements in human food has rarely been studied. Bacteria play a role by effecting mineral bioavailability and bioaccessibility, which are further increased through the fermentation of cereals and the soaking and germination of crops. Moreover, probiotics have a positive effect on iron, calcium, selenium, and zinc in relation to gut microbiome composition and metabolism. The current literature reveals the beneficial effects of bacteria on mineral bioaccessibility and bioavailability in supporting both the human gut microbiome and overall health. This review focuses on interactions between the gut microbiota and several minerals in sport nutrition, as related to a physically active lifestyle.