Genetic evidence links specific gut bacteria, especially Akkermansia muciniphila, to traits of healthy ageing. This microbe may enhance lifespan and physical function by influencing inflammation and metabolism, suggesting gut microbiota as a potential target for promoting longevity and delaying age-related decline.
April 2025 – Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Key takeaways
- Gut microbes influence ageing traits: This research used genetic data to uncover causal links between gut bacteria and age-related traits such as muscle mass, grip strength, and biological ageing markers. Several microbial taxa, especially Akkermansia muciniphila and species within Firmicutes, were found to positively influence longevity-related measures including mvAge, PhenoAge, and telomere length
- Akkermansia muciniphila shows anti-ageing promise: Akkermansia muciniphila was causally linked to greater muscle strength and improved biological ageing scores. In nematode experiments, it extended lifespan and mobility. Its benefits appear to be mediated through anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways, supporting its potential as a next-generation probiotic for promoting healthspan and delaying ageing processes
- Inflammation and metabolism are key pathways: Akkermansia muciniphila was associated with beneficial changes in inflammation-related proteins and metabolites such as ST1A1, taurodeoxycholate, and mannose. These factors are known to play roles in metabolic health and immune regulation, which may underlie the bacterium’s observed effects on longevity and physical function
- Reverse causality appears limited: Although ageing traits like PhenoAge and telomere length influenced some gut bacteria, no bidirectional causality was detected. This strengthens the case that gut microbiota, rather than just being shaped by ageing, can actively affect how we age, offering a novel intervention point for improving healthspan and longevity
Read the article at: Zhang, Guolin, et al. “Causal relationship between gut microbiota and ageing: A multi-omics Mendelian randomization study.” Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, vol. 131, 2025, Article 105765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2025.105765
