MediQYour gut bacteria may be linked to how fast your body ages
A study of 123 adults found that differences in gut bacteria explain about 15% of the variation in biological aging rates. While this does not prove cause and effect, everyday habits like diet and physical activity can shape these bacterial communities.
In short
- Differences in gut bacteria accounted for about 15% of the variation in biological aging rates among 123 study participants.
- One bacterial species (*Bifidobacterium adolescentis*) was linked to slower aging, while another (*Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens*) was associated with faster aging.
- The study shows an association, not a cause, and gut bacteria can change with diet, lifestyle, and environment.
You cannot change the year you were born, but the way your body ages might be more flexible than you think. Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa found that the bacteria living in your digestive system are strongly linked to how quickly your body ages.
The gut microbiome is the vast community of microorganisms living inside your digestive tract. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that differences in these bacterial communities accounted for about 15% of the variation in participants' biological aging rates.
What did the researchers find?
The team examined stool and blood samples from 123 adults across a wide range of ages. They compared the bacteria in each person's gut with a blood-based molecular marker called DunedinPACE, which estimates the pace of biological aging. This marker measures how fast aging-related changes happen inside the body, which is different from simply counting birthdays.
Some specific bacterial species stood out:
- *Bifidobacterium adolescentis* was among the microbes most strongly associated with slower biological aging.
- *Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens* showed one of the strongest associations with faster aging.
"This study advances our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and biological aging," said Alika K. Maunakea, senior author of the study.
Does this mean gut bacteria cause aging?
No. The researchers stress that this study shows an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship. Finding certain microbes in people who age more slowly does not necessarily mean those bacteria are responsible for slowing the process down. Further studies are needed to see if deliberately changing the gut microbiome can actually influence biological aging or improve long-term health.
Why does this matter for your daily life?
Unlike your birth year, the composition of your gut microbiome can change. It responds to everyday influences including diet, lifestyle, and environmental conditions. Lead author Braden P. Kunihiro noted that the microbiome is highly responsive to these daily exposures. This means your everyday habits may shape the bacterial patterns linked to biological resilience and healthy aging.
The bottom line is that caring for your gut through daily habits is a promising area for healthy aging research, even as scientists continue their work.
What you can do now
- Eat a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to support a diverse gut microbiome.
- Stay physically active, as lifestyle choices can influence the bacteria in your digestive system.
- Limit highly processed foods, since everyday dietary exposures shape your gut bacterial communities.
Questions you may have
What is biological aging?
Biological aging measures how quickly aging-related changes occur inside your body. It is different from chronological age, which simply counts how many years you have been alive.
Can I change my gut bacteria?
Yes. The researchers note that the gut microbiome can change in response to everyday influences, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental conditions.
Should I try to add specific bacteria to slow aging?
The study does not establish cause and effect. More research is needed to determine whether deliberately changing the gut microbiome can influence biological aging or improve long-term health.
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