Gut Microbiome as a Target for Anti-ageing Interventions

Trillions of various microorganisms inhabit the human intestine whilst having myriads of effects on the body. They participate in the metabolism of nutrients, support the work of the immune system, regulate operation of the nervous system, and produce vitamins, short-chain fatty acids, and a number of other compounds necessary for the host. An imbalance or disruption in the normal microbial community is called dysbacteriosis or dysbiosis. This condition is often associated with the occurrence of various pathologies including chronic low-intensity inflammation. The latter is one of the key signs of ageing. In this chapter, we consider the gut microbiome as a target for anti-ageing interventions. In particular, we describe the main functions of the gut microbiome, its changes with ageing, and discuss dysbacteriosis as a trigger of accelerated ageing. We also present anti-ageing interventions such as a diet, nutritional supplements (probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants), and exercise and how they may affect the microbiome and enable or impede healthy longevity.