Scientists found that certain gut bacteria are strongly tied to the pace of biological aging. Differences in gut microbes accounted for about 15% of the variation in how quickly people's bodies age. Some bacterial species were associated with slower aging, while others were linked to faster aging.
Researchers already measure biological age separately from birthday age, and it can differ a lot between people. If specific gut microbes really do influence that pace, it points to something people may be able to change. Diet, probiotics, and other tools can shift gut bacteria, opening a practical path to studying healthier aging.
✦ Your gut microbes may help set the pace of how you age.