Physical Activity Is Associated with Gut Microbiome Features and Organic Acid Patterns in Adults Consuming Plant-Rich Diets: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Simple Summary People who eat mostly fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods are often considered to have a healthy diet. However, these foods can also contain small amounts of pesticide residues, especially when they are conventionally grown. At the same time, lifestyle factors such as physical activity may influence how the body responds to dietary and environmental exposures. In this study, we examined adults who followed predominantly plant-based diets and reported digestive symptoms. All participants were exposed to similar levels of pesticide residues through their daily food intake. We compared individuals with lower and higher levels of physical activity to see whether lifestyle differences were associated with changes in gut bacteria and metabolic markers. We found that people with lower physical activity more often had reduced diversity of gut bacteria and different patterns of bacteria linked to digestion and metabolism. They showed differences in selected intermediary metabolic markers, while several other metabolic pathways did not differ between groups. In contrast, individuals who were more physically active tended to show more balanced gut bacterial and metabolic profiles, despite having similar dietary exposure. These findings suggest that physical activity may play an important role in shaping gut health and metabolic responses in people consuming plant-rich diets. Understanding how lifestyle factors interact with diet may help improve strategies…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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