Certain gut bacteria linked to slower biological aging, study finds

Scientists at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have discovered that specific gut bacteria are strongly connected to how quickly the body ages, according to ScienceDaily Health.

Their study, published in Scientific Reports, revealed that differences in gut microbial communities explained about 15% of the variation in biological aging rates among 123 adults.

Researchers compared gut bacteria identified from stool samples with blood-based molecular markers that estimate the body's aging speed, which differs from chronological age.

The findings suggest that the gut microbiome may play a significant role in aging processes at the molecular level, independent of a person's actual age.

Senior author Alika K. Maunakea noted that these microbial patterns could influence long-term health and longevity, opening new avenues for understanding modifiable biological systems.