Scientists from Keio University, Japan, have found that the reason Centenarians live so long is their unique gut bacteria which protects them from disease and fuels bile acids.
According to Kenya Honda, the lead study author, the microbiome of our guts change as we age. People over 100 years have certain types of gut microbes that produce unique bile acids. These acids prevent the growth of pathogens, thus protecting them from disease. The bile acids also regulate waste, fat and cholesterol.
Centenarians are less likely to have age-related diseases
Honda adds that Centenarians are less likely to contract age-related chronic disease than older adults less than 100. While the mechanisms that influence the composition of their gut microbiome is unknown, scientists speculate that it is associated with their extreme longevity.
Scientists have long thought that Centenarians have specific gut microbes in their bodies that protect them from pathogens and environmental stressors.
Specific strains of bacteria known as Odoribacteraceae have been found in their guts. The bacteria produce bile acids with antimicrobial properties. An experiment conducted in mice showed that they could destroy bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium and Clostridioides difficile, which cause severe diarrhea.
The study shows that specific bile acids play a role in reducing the risk of infection in Centenarians.
How researchers conducted the study
The team of researchers analyzed the gut bacteria of about 300 adults. Of the participants, 160 were above 100, 112 people were 85-89, and 47 were less than 55. They examined stool samples from the participants.
They found that the Centenarians had a rich composition of gut microbes that produced unique bile acids. This study explains why Centenarians are less likely to contract age-related diseases, infectious diseases and chronic inflammation. It also shows that the microbes in our gut can help predict if you will have a healthy and long life.
The researchers explain that how long you live and how healthy you are can be determined by the environment you had at birth, your mother’s microbiota and the lifestyle you currently live. The microbes found in your gut play a role in your immunity and metabolism.
