Studies reveal links between microbiota diversity and longevity

Intestinal microbiota and longevity: a link gaining confirmation

What is the purpose of the microbiota?

The intestinal microbiota refers to all the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, yeasts, etc.) that live together in our digestive tract. This ecosystem, with some 100,000 billion hosts (and weighing between 1 and 2 kg!), plays a part in many biological functions, some of which are involved in the mechanisms of ageing (1):

• it facilitates the assimilation of nutrients and assists in the breakdown of certain non-digestible compounds (such as fibre);
• it is involved in the synthesis of certain vitamins (B, K) and amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, valine);
• it produces short-chain fatty acids (such as butyrate) with supposed protective effects;
• it modulates immunity and regulates systemic inflammation.

The importance of microbial diversity

In recent years, a crucial concept has emerged in the scientific community: microbial diversity. There is every reason to believe that an intestinal flora containing a wider variety of microorganisms offers greater resilience to infections, oxidative stress and metabolic diseases (2). Several studies have shown that centenarians have a more varied microbiota, with an increasing abundance of normally sub-dominant species, enabling them to produce anti-inflammatory metabolites associated with healthy ageing (3-6).

Blue zones: what does the microbiota of centenarians have to say?

The 'blue zones', which include Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, the island of Ikaria in Greece and the municipality of Loma Linda in California, are home to populations with an exceptional proportion of centenarians. After studying their diet, lifestyle and social interactions at length, researchers are now taking a close look at the composition of their intestinal microbiota, in the hope of finding new clues as to the reasons for their remarkable longevity.

A study published in 2020 analysed the microbiota of elderly women who had lived for the first 3 years of their lives in the village of Ogimi in Okinawa (7). The findings showed that they had a higher rate of colonisation by Akkermansia muciniphila in their intestines than those who moved to the region later. Previous studies have shown that this bacterium has the potential to improve insulin resistance and prevent obesity induced by a high-fat diet in mice (8).

A strain featured in our latest-generation probiotic Akkermansia Municiphila.

Japanese researchers also noted a clear abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (a bacterium from the Firmicutes branch that produces anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids and is considered a biomarker of a healthy intestine) in 90% of the Thai adults and elderly subjects analysed (9). Christensenella minuta, which is more abundantly present in the tract of slim subjects, is also thought to be associated with a more efficient energy metabolism (10). Finally, other strains such as Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Methanobrevibacter smithii are thought to play a metabolically active role in the intestines of supercentenarians (11).

While no single strain seems to hold the secret to longevity, the scientific literature at least suggests that the diversity of species in the microbiota predicts better health with age.

How can we look after our microbiota to help us age well?

Appropriate dietary measures

While genetics and our environment partly determine the composition of our microbiota, we can fortunately take action by adopting simple dietary measures to support the diversity of this intestinal ecosystem and give ourselves the means to age in better health:

• Vary your diet as much as possible to cultivate a rich microbiota, with different types of microorganisms (12).
• Regularly consume foods rich in probiotics, ‘friendly’ bacteria that help to support the balance of the intestinal microbiota: yoghurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented soya products (shoyu, tempeh, natto, etc.) (13);
• Increase your fibre intake, which has a prebiotic effect: it acts as a substrate for good intestinal bacteria to ensure their growth and development. Fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals and pulses are excellent sources (14);
• Reduce refined sugars, sweeteners and additives, which alter the balance of the microbiota and encourage the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria (15).

What about probiotic supplements?

To promote this microbial diversity, it is also highly recommended to opt for a multi-strain probiotic supplement to benefit from a broader spectrum of beneficial microorganisms from the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus families, among others (16).

Probio Forte combines 5 of the most extensively researched probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactococcus lactis and the trio Lactobacillus acidophilus, casei and plantarum.

With its 20 synergistic strains, Full Spectrum Probiotic is one of the most complete formulas on the market.