Do Head Hits Shift the Gut Microbiome? - Takeaways - MDSpire
From the Journals

Do Head Hits Shift the Gut Microbiome?

A small observational study in collegiate football players found microbiome associations after nonconcussive head impacts, though findings were limited by severe underpowering and high attrition

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • May 7, 2026

  • 5 min

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  • 1

    The study linked nonconcussive head impacts to gut microbiome changes.

  • 2

    Only 6 NCAA athletes were analyzed due to high attrition.

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    226 fecal samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing.

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    Bray-Curtis dissimilarity increased after substantial impacts.

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    Pre-workout energy drink consumption linked to microbiome changes.

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    Limitations included lack of control group and underpowered analysis.

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    No significant differentiation based on sex in the study.

Original Source(s)

Do Head Hits Shift the Gut Microbiome?

  • by Kerri Miller

  • May 7, 2026

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