Healthy gut microbiome and life span

Aging may be linked to changes in the gut microbiome.

In a study published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis Medicine, researchers examined gut microbiota alterations from prenatal stages to over 100 years of age as well as the effects of certain factors such as genetics, sex, diet and lifestyle on gut microbial composition to determine how microbial changes could be associated with the aging process.

They found that throughout infancy and early childhood, the gut microbiome is less diverse but stabilizes by adulthood. Among healthy adults, the gut microbiome may comprise up to 1,200 species-level classifications. Although the gut microbiome remains stable during adulthood, it may undergo changes at older ages. For instance, older adults may experience declines in microbial diversity and beneficial metabolites as well as increases in opportunistic pathogens — leading to shifts in age-related immunosenescence and frailty.

A greater abundance of certain beneficial gut bacteria like Christensenellaceae, Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium observed in exceedingly older individuals (> 99 years) suggested that they may have a role in promoting longevity. Probiotics could potentially extend the life span by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut microbiome and improving the immune system.

Read more: Exploratory Research and Hypothesis Medicine

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