Energy status alters intestinal function and the gut microbiota during consecutive days of high energy demands

The effect of energy status on host-gut microbiota interactions impacting intestinal function during periods of high energy demands is unknown. Herein, increasing energy intake to prevent energy deficit during three days of high physical activity-induced energy demands prevented increases in intestinal permeability and transit time, and transiently reduced gut microbiota community richness without compromising community functional potential. Results suggest minimizing energy deficits may benefit gastrointestinal function during periods of high energy demands.