Level of intestinal permeability markers and selected aspects of diet and BMI of Polish e-sports players
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The intestinal microbiota, also called visceral brain, exhibits high biological activity and influences health status. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected dietary determinants of the levels of intestinal permeability markers (zonulin and LPS endotoxin) in a group of e-sportsmen. The study was conducted among 174 male athletes (18–28 years old), training at the professional ( n = 44) and semi-professional level ( n = 130). The study included: weight and height measurements (Holtain anthropometer, Tanita TBF300), assessment of BMI, determination of zonulin and LPS levels in fecal samples (ELISA tests) and assessment of frequency of consumption of selected food groups (FFQ). Statistical analysis was performed using chi 2 and Student’s t tests and Spearman’s rank correlation, at a significance level of p < 0.05. The group was dominated by e-sportsmen with elevated levels of LPS endotoxin (66.67%), zonulin (85.74%) and normative BMI (59.70%), with no significant differences according to sports level. There was a positive correlation between BMI and levels of zonulin ( R = 0.49; p < 0.001) and LPS ( R = 0.24; p < 0.05). Zonulin levels also increased with more frequent consumption of sweet cereals ( R = 0.21; p < 0.05), pork meats ( R = 0.21; p < 0.05) and red meat dishes ( R = 0.18; p < 0.05). Excessive body weight and a poor health diet were shown to have a negative effect on increasing intestinal permeability, suggesting the rationale for monitoring and rationalizing diet and nutritional status to optimize the intestinal microbiota of e-sportsmen.
Authors: Mazur-Kurach Paulina, Szot Monika, Rzeszutko-Bełzowska Agata, Klimek Andrzej, Gacek Maria, Frączek Barbara
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W4408903759