Weizmann Institute research improves players' performance
The research brings together nutrition, technology and science to help athletes.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHWeizmann Institute of Science.(photo credit: MICHAEL JACOBSON/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)
Weizmann Institute of Science research is being used to improve the energy levels, concentration and alertness of the Israeli national basketball team. Scientists from the Rehovot-based institute found that adjusting each player’s diet according to the composition of the bacteria living in his digestive system allows him to stabilize his blood-sugar level, which is known to influence energy levels.The Weizmann research was conducted by Prof. Eran Segal and Prof. Eran Elinav.The DayTwo start-up, which was established on the basis of their work, began collecting the intestinal bacterial samples of the players.The company will now adapt each player’s personal nutrition needs according to the flora in their intestines and other personal parameters. Nutrition recommendations will be passed to players through an app that ranks the foods recommended for each user and warns against foods to avoid.The team represents Israel in men’s international competitions and is managed by the Israel Basketball Association.According to Lihi Segal, CEO of DayTwo: “The research has shown that identical foods lead to different sugar reactions among people, due to unique combinations of intestinal bacteria.For example, eating healthful foods such as apples can lead to an increase in sugar levels in people who do not react well to them. In the context of athletes, eating certain foods may lead to high sugar levels during exertion and a decrease in energy.
