Research has indicated that the gut microbiome could change with age, and interventions such as probiotics may help support healthier aging and longevity.
A recent review, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis Medicine, discussed the relationship between the gut microbiome and aging, detailing how microbial changes may be associated with the aging process throughout the human life span. Researchers explored alterations in gut microbiota from prenatal stages to over 100 years of age, emphasizing the impact of intrinsic factors (e.g., genetics and sex) and extrinsic influences (e.g., diet and lifestyle) on gut microbial composition.
At birth, a sterile environment transitions into a rich microbial ecology. Throughout infancy and early childhood, the gut microbiome is less diverse but begins to stabilize by adulthood. The gut microbiome in healthy adults comprises around 1,000 to 1,200 species-level classifications (phylotypes), with 75% to 82% of these species not yet able to be grown in culture.
In adulthood, the gut microbiome remains relatively stable but undergoes significant changes in elderly populations. These changes are characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity and an increase in opportunistic pathogens. These shifts contribute to age-related immunosenescence and frailty, with reduced production of beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, compounding the health challenges associated with aging. A lower frailty index, which reflects biological age, is linked to a decline in microbial diversity, especially in the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium.
As patients age, particularly in populations over 99 years old (centenarians), the researchers have observed an increased presence of beneficial gut bacteria such as Christensenellaceae, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium, indicating their possible role in promoting longevity.
The review explored microbiome-based interventions, including probiotics and dietary modifications, aimed at modulating or rejuvenating the gut microbiota to potentially promote healthy aging and longevity. Studies on probiotics have demonstrated that strains like Bifidobacterium longum BB68 and Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 can extend the life span in model organisms by influencing aging-related pathways, including the DAF-16 pathway.
Furthermore, consistent consumption of the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 in elderly patients resulted in higher levels of butyrate-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which contributed to improved gut health and immune function.
Microbiome transplantation and probiotic supplementation are also explored as strategies to modulate the gut microbiota in elderly patients. These interventions have been studied for their potential to mitigate age-related dysbiosis, improve immune function, and enhance health outcomes in older populations.
The authors declare no conflict of interests.