Gut bacteria associated with faster and slower biological aging
A study of the gut microbiome has identified bacterial species associated with differences in biological aging rates. Together, microbial differences explained about 15% of the variation observed between individuals.
Some bacteria were associated with slower biological aging, while others were linked to accelerated aging. The findings point to the gut microbiome as one potential factor influencing how quickly the body ages, although the reported relationship does not establish that particular bacteria directly cause aging to slow or accelerate.
Researchers may next investigate the biological mechanisms behind these associations and whether modifying the microbiome could affect aging outcomes. The results offer a more specific microbial lens through which to study biological aging, beyond the broader health of the gut.