Effects of anti-aging interventions on intestinal microbiota

Gut Microbes. 2021 Jan-Dec;13(1):1994835. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1994835.

Abstract

Identifying ways to deal with the challenges presented by aging is an urgent task, as we are facing an aging society. External factors such as diet, exercise and drug therapy have proven to be major elements in controlling healthy aging and prolonging life expectancy. More recently, the intestinal microbiota has also become a key factor in the anti-aging process. As the intestinal microbiota changes with aging, an imbalance in intestinal microorganisms can lead to many age-related degenerative diseases and unhealthy aging. This paper reviews recent research progress on the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and anti-aging effects, focusing on the changes and beneficial effects of intestinal microorganisms under dietary intervention, exercise and drug intervention. In addition, bacteriotherapy has been used to prevent frailty and unhealthy aging. Most of these anti-aging approaches improve the aging process and age-related diseases by regulating the homeostasis of intestinal flora and promoting a healthy intestinal environment. Intervention practices based on intestinal microorganisms show great potential in the field of anti-aging medicine.

Keywords: Intestinal microbiota; aging; bacteriotherapy; dietary intervention; drugs; exercise.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / drug effects*
  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Exercise
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Geroscience
  • Humans
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Prebiotics / administration & dosage*
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Prebiotics

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.