Gut microbiome and healthy ageing: a systematic review of literature.
Microbiology (Reading)Oct 1, 2026
Roua Almatrafi, Nasser Alqurainy, Maymunah Hakami et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the gut microbiome's compositional and functional features associated with healthy ageing, independent of age-related diseases. The review included studies from various regions, focusing on taxa enrichment in centenarians, such as Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Parabacteroides. Key findings suggest distinct functional pathways related to immune modulation and gut barrier support.
Key findings
- Enrichment of Akkermansia, Alistipes, and Parabacteroides was consistently reported in centenarians.
- Functional profiling indicated differences in pathways related to amino acid catabolism and vitamin biosynthesis.
- Most studies utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing (58.5%) for microbiome analysis.
Why it matters
Understanding the gut microbiome's role in healthy ageing can inform strategies for promoting longevity and preventing age-related diseases. Identifying specific microbial signatures may lead to targeted interventions.