---
title: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Gut Microbiome Integrity and Healthy Aging
description: Age-related shifts in gut bacteria may affect healthy aging, with resveratrol, prebiotics, and probiotics shown to support microbial balance.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/featured/adobestock_563917444.jpeg
---

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Science Update

# Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Gut Microbiome Integrity and Healthy Aging

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Feb 10, 2023

![Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Gut Microbiome Integrity and Healthy Aging](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/featured/adobestock_563917444.jpeg?width=960)

Recent research has explored the changes to the gut microbiome that occur during the aging process and their potential significance. The integrity of the gut microbiome has been shown in clinical studies to differ between young adults and older individuals. Multiple clinical studies have reported changes in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and age-related changes in the populations of some taxa, including *Bifidobacteria* and Firmicutes. Age-related decreases in *Bifidobacterium* and Firmicutes have been associated with immunosenescence and the inflammatory response. Centenarians have been observed to have a relatively higher abundance of Christensenellaceae, which is associated with certain parameters related to healthy aging. A recently published review article by [Zeppa and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) explored the relationship between healthy aging and the potential to support gut microbial health.

[Resveratrol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) is one agent that the authors describe as potentially supportive of age-related changes and the gut microbiome. Resveratrol (trans‑3,4’,5 trihydroxystilbene) is a molecule found in grape skin, berries (such as blueberries and raspberries), and peanuts. It is known for its role in supporting antioxidative status and [inflammation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/), and for its support of cardiovascular and metabolic functions within the human body. Research indicates that resveratrol may also help support immune health, a [healthy gut microbiome](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/), and the body’s response to cellular senescence. [Animal studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) have reported increases in the relative abundance of *Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides*, and *Akkermansia* in the presence of resveratrol. Resveratrol has also been shown to support a healthy [Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) and help support microbial diversity.

Zeppa and colleagues also describe the potential supportive role of prebiotics for microbial health. [Prebiotics](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30857316/) are compounds that have a specific effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome and help stimulate the activity of the targeted intestinal microbe to potentially help improve human health. To be classified as a prebiotic, the compound must not be absorbed in the GI tract and should instead be [fermented](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30857316/) by GI microbes. Examples of prebiotics include fructans (such as inulin), fructooligosaccharide (FOS), and [galactooligosaccharides](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30857316/) (GOS). GOS has been shown in studies to stimulate several genera of beneficial [microorganisms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30857316/) including Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Enterobacteria, and Lactobacilli. [Studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) also indicate that GOS may help prevent the decline of Bifidobacteria related to the aging process.

A [clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) involving the administration of 7.4 g of FOS daily for 9 weeks in elderly individuals observed improvements in certain age-related changes and decreases in serum glucose levels. However, the sample size was small, and more clinical research is needed before conclusions can be made. Another [clinical study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) involving FOS and inulin administration in elderly patients reported improvements in indices related to frailty.

Probiotics may also help support the gut microbiome and healthy aging. A [meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) of controlled clinical studies involving probiotic supplementation in elderly individuals reported improvements in [natural killer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) (NK) cell activity and phagocytic qualities of polymorphonuclear cells. A study involving supplementation with Bacillus subtilis observed improvements in parameters related to immune health, including increased secretory [Immunoglobulin A concentrations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) compared with a placebo in elderly patients. Probiotics may also help promote [healthy aging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36611827/) by supporting the body's response to certain pathogenic microbes, healthy inflammation, and digestive health.

More research is needed to determine the significance of age-related changes to the gut microbiome. However, evidence suggests that certain agents, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, may help support gut microbial integrity and healthy aging.

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

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Resveratrol Supreme

Trans-resveratrol with quercetin · Capsules

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/resveratrol-supreme)

## Continue your research

#### [Research & Education How Akkermansia Supports GLP-1 Production and Metabolic Function May 27, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/akkermansia-supports-glp-1-production-metabolic-function)

#### [Research & Education Overcoming the Anaerobic Barrier: A New Approach to Probiotic Manufacturing May 12, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/overcoming-the-anaerobic-barrier-a-new-approach-to-probiotic-manufacturing)

#### [Research & Education Beyond Standard Labs: How Functional Testing Enhances Clinical Insight Apr 29, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/functional-testing-clinical-insight)

#### [Science Update Bifidobacterium Postbiotic Promotes Healthy Body Composition and Akkermansia Genus: A Randomized Controlled Trial Apr 14, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/bifidobacterium-postbiotic-promotes-healthy-body-composition-and-akkermansia-genus-a-randomized-controlled-trial)

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