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Gut microbiota as potential mediator linking dietary preferences and aging phenotypes
Weidong Li1, Xueyao Cai1, Yuchen Cai2
1Department of Plastic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Biogerontology
|April 21, 2026
Summary
This study reveals how gut bacteria and food preferences impact aging. Specific gut microbes influence aging through liking fizzy drinks and wine, offering insights for personalized health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Aging science
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Aging is a multifactorial process influenced by gut microbiota and dietary habits.
- Gut and dietary health are key for promoting longevity and healthy aging.
- Understanding the interplay between gut microbiome, food preferences, and aging is crucial for developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional causal relationships between gut microbiota, food likings, and aging phenotypes.
- To identify specific gut microbes and dietary factors influencing aging processes.
- To explore potential mediating roles of gut microbiota and food likings in aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) approaches with large-scale summary statistics.
- Analyzed data for gut microbiota (n=5,959), food likings (n=161,625), and aging phenotypes (telomere length, facial aging, frailty index).
- Performed bidirectional MR and mediation analyses to establish causal links and mediating pathways.
Main Results:
- Identified significant correlations between gut microbiota composition, food preferences, and aging indicators.
- Found that Lachnospira rogosae and CAG-83 sp000435555 impact the frailty index via fizzy drink liking.
- Discovered that UBA2922 sp900313925 influences aging through a preference for wine.
Conclusions:
- Gut microbiota and food likings have reciprocal causal effects on aging.
- Specific microbial species and dietary preferences are linked to aging trajectories.
- Findings support personalized dietary interventions to mitigate aging and prevent age-related diseases.
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