Sam Rowland

Having started at Loughborough University as a UG and PG student, I was employed as a Postgraduate University Teacher in Physiology and completed a PhD examining the influence of dietary nitrate supplementation on nitrate metabolism, cardiovascular health, and exercise performance in healthy adults.

Investigating the affect of gut health on athletic performance

I recently started a new role within SSEHS as a Research Associate in Dr Liam Heaney’s lab group. Currently, I am working on an industry-funded project and investigating the impact of a multi-strain probiotic product on the gut microbiome, exercise performance and recovery in active individuals.

There is emerging evidence to suggest that modifications in the gut microbiota may contribute to physical performance in humans. Probiotics represent a potential means for beneficially influencing the composition and function of the gut microbiome. This project will determine whether ingestion of a novel probiotic supplement can be ergogenic in athletic individuals and subsequently recommended as a nutritional aid to help improve exercise performance and recovery in this population.

Over the past few years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to disseminate my work to other researchers. Last year, I was shortlisted for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute Sports Nutrition award and awarded third place following delivery of an oral presentation at a leading international conference.

I was also awarded funding from the Yakult Science Educational Grant to present my research at another international conference, and more recently, I have been selected for an abstract award to deliver an invited talk at a workshop being delivered by the Physiological Society in London.

Explore Sam Rowland's latest research publications

If you would like to get in touch with Sam Rowland about collaborations, you can email her at S.Rowland@lboro.ac.uk.