Digestive ageing: a study examines changes in the gut

The digestive system put to the test by age: constipation, diarrhoea and atypical symptoms

With age, the digestive system can become more sensitive and certain bowel movement disorders may tend to appear.

Among these, constipation affects the majority of older people.

It is often linked to a slowing of bowel transit, reduced colonic motility and insufficient intake of dietary fibre or water (1).

In some cases, it can progress to a faecal impaction, causing discomfort and potential complications.

Diarrhoea, on the other hand, is often more complex to analyse. It may be linked to polypharmacy, malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or dysbiosis.

In frail individuals, the risk of dehydration is real and can rapidly worsen their general condition.

Other, more subtle signs may also appear with age: loss of appetite, weight loss, general digestive discomfort or a feeling of abdominal unease…

These symptoms can sometimes complicate diagnosis, particularly in cases of multimorbidity.

A recent scientific review (2) analysed these changes in digestive ageing in detail.

It appears to show that the digestive tract does not actually ‘degenerate’ with age. Rather, it becomes less efficient and more vulnerable, with symptoms that are sometimes atypical, particularly in people who are frail or have multiple health conditions.

Let’s explore the details of this study and its implications for maintaining the balance of the digestive system.

What the study reveals about the mechanisms of digestive ageing

According to the study “Age-related changes of the gastrointestinal tract”, digestive ageing is accompanied by several progressive changes, affecting both the functions and structure of the digestive tract.

For example, certain digestive secretions may decrease over time. This is particularly the case for gastric acid (3) and certain enzymes.

This can affect digestion and, in some cases, lead to poor nutrient absorption.

Gastric emptying may also be slightly slowed down, leading to a feeling of heavier or longer digestion after meals.

The gut microbiota may also tend to change.

Certain bacteria considered beneficial decrease in number, which tends to promote an imbalance in the gut flora, also known as dysbiosis. This could affect bowel movements, as well as overall digestive tolerance.

At the same time, the intestinal lining may become more vulnerable. The intestinal barrier, which plays a key role in protecting the body, tends to become less effective.

This change may be accompanied by an increase in intestinal permeability.

The accumulation of these symptoms risks compromising digestive balance, particularly in older people who are already exposed to other factors contributing to frailty or malnutrition.

A holistic approach to maintaining intestinal balance

In older adults, digestive comfort rarely depends on a single factor.

It depends on a combination of factors, such as diet, hydration, physical activity, medication, the quality of the gut microbiota and regular bowel movements.

A suitable diet, rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre and combined with adequate hydration, remains a simple yet essential foundation to maintain.

Similarly, physical activity, even at a moderate level, can also help support digestive motility.

In this context, certain complementary approaches are currently being studied for their potential to support the gut ecosystem, without ever replacing comprehensive management:

Probiotics, for example, are the subject of extensive research for their role in supporting the balance of the gut microbiota, particularly in cases of dysbiosis or bowel disorders.

Discover Probio Forte, a dietary supplement containing 8 billion microorganisms per capsule and designed to support the balance of the gut microbiota.

Discover Saccharomyces Boulardii, a formula containing a probiotic yeast studied for its role in digestive comfort, particularly in cases of gut imbalance.

Fibre, particularly soluble fibre such as psyllium (4), can be used to gently support bowel function.

Discover Psyllium Husk, a source of soluble fibre, formulated to support regular bowel movements.

Magnesium also contributes to normal muscle function, including that involved in bowel function. In natural medicine, it is often recommended to provide relief in cases of mild constipation.

Discover the Magnesium Orotate dietary supplement, based on a well-tolerated form suitable for long-term use.

Digestive enzymes are sometimes used in cases of slow digestion or discomfort after meals.

Discover Digestive Enzymes, a formula comprising the 15 most effective digestive enzymes to support digestion.

Vitamin D, meanwhile, contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and is the subject of research for its role in the body’s overall balance.

Discover Vitamin D3 1000 IU, a vitamin D supplement with the optimal dosage for supplementation.

Often recommended to support the intestinal lining, L-glutamine is being studied for its potential role in intestinal metabolism (5).

Discover the L-Glutamine dietary supplement, which provides an excellent daily intake of 3 g.

Finally, omega-3s are being studied for their potential effects on overall inflammatory balance.

Discover Super Omega 3, a dietary supplement concentrated in EPA and DHA for a targeted intake.

These approaches are complementary and should be discussed with a doctor if you are taking medication, to ensure they are compatible. It is important to bear in mind that digestive ageing requires, above all, a holistic approach, tailored to each individual’s profile and level of vulnerability.