Gut microbiota’s causal effect on physical activity: Insights from two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

Abstract

Introduction:

Gut microbiota has been implicated in influencing various health-related behaviors, including physical activity. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and physical activity in individuals of European ancestry.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using genome-wide association data from the MiBioGen consortium and the UK Biobank. Numerous gut microbiome taxa were assessed for their causal effect on physical activity measures, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, vigorous physical activity, accelerometer-based average acceleration, and higher acceleration levels. Sensitivity analyses evaluated heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and potential reverse causation.

Results:

The analysis identified significant causal links between specific gut microbiome genera and physical activity levels. Key taxa were associated with physiological conditions conducive to exercise and behavior related to physical exertion. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, with minimal evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy, and reverse causality was largely excluded.

Conclusion:

Gut microbiota may play a causal role in influencing physical activity levels, offering potential for microbiome-targeted interventions to promote physical health.