The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction Psyllium husk, derived from Plantago ovata seeds, is a key dietary fiber with benefits for metabolism and athletic performance. This review examines its role in glycemic control, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, and sports nutrition. Its gel-forming properties aid nutrie...

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Main Authors: Wiktor Biesiada, Krzysztof Błaszków, Sara Szydłowska, Jagoda Elias, Marlena Zubiak, Justyna Woźniak, Justyna Weronika Kmieć, Ewa Piekarska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń 2025-03-01
Series:Quality in Sport
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Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/58329
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author Wiktor Biesiada
Krzysztof Błaszków
Sara Szydłowska
Jagoda Elias
Marlena Zubiak
Justyna Woźniak
Justyna Weronika Kmieć
Ewa Piekarska
author_facet Wiktor Biesiada
Krzysztof Błaszków
Sara Szydłowska
Jagoda Elias
Marlena Zubiak
Justyna Woźniak
Justyna Weronika Kmieć
Ewa Piekarska
author_sort Wiktor Biesiada
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Psyllium husk, derived from Plantago ovata seeds, is a key dietary fiber with benefits for metabolism and athletic performance. This review examines its role in glycemic control, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, and sports nutrition. Its gel-forming properties aid nutrient absorption and energy management, positioning it as a tool for addressing metabolic disorders and improving physical performance. Recent studies highlight its potential for endurance, recovery, and weight management, while emphasizing the need for further research into personalized applications. Purpose of the Work: This review consolidates findings on psyllium’s benefits for metabolic health and sports performance, offering insights for future research and practical use. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included psyllium husk, dietary fiber, metabolic health, sports performance, glycemic control, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, precision nutrition. Relevant studies were synthesized to compile findings.  Results: Psyllium husk offers significant metabolic health benefits. Clinical trials report improved glycemic control, with reductions in postprandial glucose and HbA1c through slowed carbohydrate absorption and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Its lipid-lowering effects, particularly on LDL cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular risk, supporting its role in managing dyslipidemia. Psyllium’s prebiotic properties enhance gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria and SCFAs like butyrate, improving glucose metabolism, gut barrier function, and reducing inflammation. Anti-inflammatory effects include lowered CRP and cytokines, beneficial in conditions like metabolic syndrome. In sports, psyllium aids endurance and recovery by stabilizing glucose levels and mitigating gastrointestinal distress, demonstrating its versatility for health and performance optimization. 
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spelling doaj-art-bdb585aabfab4b2ca3722425d177fd702025-08-20T03:02:07ZengNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńQuality in Sport2450-31182025-03-013910.12775/QS.2025.39.58329The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive ReviewWiktor Biesiada0https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2662-5300Krzysztof Błaszkówhttps://orcid.org/0009-0006-0685-1094Sara Szydłowskahttps://orcid.org/0009-0002-7926-5265Jagoda Eliashttps://orcid.org/0009-0007-6967-6016Marlena Zubiakhttps://orcid.org/0009-0009-5329-9214Justyna Woźniakhttps://orcid.org/0009-0009-7785-4665Justyna Weronika Kmiećhttps://orcid.org/0009-0001-0570-9575Ewa Piekarskahttps://orcid.org/0009-0004-7724-0202Medical Doctor Introduction Psyllium husk, derived from Plantago ovata seeds, is a key dietary fiber with benefits for metabolism and athletic performance. This review examines its role in glycemic control, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, and sports nutrition. Its gel-forming properties aid nutrient absorption and energy management, positioning it as a tool for addressing metabolic disorders and improving physical performance. Recent studies highlight its potential for endurance, recovery, and weight management, while emphasizing the need for further research into personalized applications. Purpose of the Work: This review consolidates findings on psyllium’s benefits for metabolic health and sports performance, offering insights for future research and practical use. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included psyllium husk, dietary fiber, metabolic health, sports performance, glycemic control, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, precision nutrition. Relevant studies were synthesized to compile findings.  Results: Psyllium husk offers significant metabolic health benefits. Clinical trials report improved glycemic control, with reductions in postprandial glucose and HbA1c through slowed carbohydrate absorption and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Its lipid-lowering effects, particularly on LDL cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular risk, supporting its role in managing dyslipidemia. Psyllium’s prebiotic properties enhance gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria and SCFAs like butyrate, improving glucose metabolism, gut barrier function, and reducing inflammation. Anti-inflammatory effects include lowered CRP and cytokines, beneficial in conditions like metabolic syndrome. In sports, psyllium aids endurance and recovery by stabilizing glucose levels and mitigating gastrointestinal distress, demonstrating its versatility for health and performance optimization.  https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/58329Psyllium huskdietary fibermetabolic healthsports performanceglycemic controllipid metabolism
spellingShingle Wiktor Biesiada
Krzysztof Błaszków
Sara Szydłowska
Jagoda Elias
Marlena Zubiak
Justyna Woźniak
Justyna Weronika Kmieć
Ewa Piekarska
The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review
Quality in Sport
Psyllium husk
dietary fiber
metabolic health
sports performance
glycemic control
lipid metabolism
title The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review
title_full The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review
title_fullStr The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review
title_full_unstemmed The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review
title_short The Multifaceted Role of Psyllium Husk in Enhancing Metabolic and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review
title_sort multifaceted role of psyllium husk in enhancing metabolic and athletic performance a comprehensive review
topic Psyllium husk
dietary fiber
metabolic health
sports performance
glycemic control
lipid metabolism
url https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/58329
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