Microbiome changes in aging

Abstract Human healthspan and lifespan are determined by complex interactions between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors; however, scientists have uncovered another potential important contributor to human health—the microbiome. The human microbiome is comprised of trillions of microbial cells that aid in host immune function, biosynthesis of important compounds, and metabolism. The microbiome composition and functional capacity develop rapidly after birth, then remain generally stable from toddlerhood to adulthood. Elderly adults then lose microbiome diversity and core bacterial phyla, which may predispose to aging-related conditions, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases and infections. Given these changes in the microbiome with age and the established association between microbiome perturbations and disease, microbiome-targeted therapies may be important for extending human healthspan and lifespan.