Abstract
The intestinal microbiota of humans and other animals is an important determinant of health because it has properties that program the innate immune system, affect the availability of nutrients and bioactives from the diet, regulate barrier function, and restrict pathogen access to the intestinal epithelium. These properties are even more important when the host animal advances into older age; paradoxically, however, this is a life-stage when the microbiota appears to be in a state of flux. This review will describe how the application of molecular methods rather than culture-based approaches has recently yielded new insights into the changes in the human intestinal microbiota upon aging. At the extreme end of older life - in centenarians - even more pronounced changes in the intestinal microbiota occur. One of the most important drivers of changes in the microbiota is diet, and lack of diversity in the diet upon aging is linked to a less diverse microbiota, which correlates with poorer health status. We conclude by reviewing prospects for enhancing the health of older persons by a combination of microbiota profiling and microbiota adjustment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.