A little-known gut bacterium, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (BP), may contribute to delaying aging and extending healthy lifespan by combating chronic, low-grade inflammation known as 'inflammaging,' according to research conducted in China. This type of inflammation is a natural, yet detrimental, consequence of aging that can silently damage cells and lead to age-related diseases.
The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, analyzed stool samples from over 1,700 Chinese adults. Researchers observed a significant decline in the abundance of BP in both men and women as they aged. BP is known to help maintain a healthy intestinal barrier and protect against harmful pathogens.
Using a 'microbiome aging clock' called MicroAge, which assesses changes in the gut microbiome to estimate biological age, the team found that individuals with a higher concentration of BP exhibited a 'younger' biological age. This suggests a potential protective effect of the bacterium against the aging process.
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To further investigate, researchers administered BP to older mice. The results showed that these mice experienced reduced inflammation in major organs and demonstrated improved performance on both physical and cognitive tests compared to a control group. The researchers believe that BP may increase levels of 5-Aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB), a gut compound that decreases with age and is associated with a lower biological age.
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While the human findings are observational and cannot definitively prove that BP reverses or delays biological aging, the study authors suggest that replenishing lost levels of the bacterium through probiotic-rich foods could support healthy aging. Foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, as well as prebiotics found in lentils, chickpeas, black beans, garlic, onions, and asparagus, have been associated with increased BP and a more diverse gut bacteria population. Participants in the study adhered to a diet focused on fruits, vegetables, and lean meats and fish.