1 Secret to Centenarians' Long Lives

How Centenarians Stay Disease-Free for Over a Century

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My Longevity Experiment
November 28, 2024

The Secrets of Centenarians: What Do They Have in Common?

The Gut Connection to Longevity

Living beyond 100 years is a rare and remarkable achievement. According to a recent study published in Nature, centenarians may owe part of their exceptional longevity to their gut microbiome.

The research, conducted on Japanese centenarians, revealed they possess distinct bacterial populations in their gut. These bacteria produce unique compounds that may help protect against infections and environmental stressors, potentially contributing to their extraordinary lifespan.

Beyond Genetics: A New Perspective

Centenarians are often less prone to age-related diseases and show a remarkable ability to fend off infections. This study sheds light on a compelling factor—gut microbiota—that may help explain these phenomena.

Traditionally, many have attributed longevity primarily to genetics, often citing anecdotes of family members who lived long lives despite unhealthy habits. However, genetics accounts for less than 30% of a person’s lifespan, leaving the majority influenced by modifiable factors, such as:

  • A healthy diet

  • High-quality sleep

  • Regular exercise

  • Meaningful social interactions

  • The composition of gut bacteria

The Centenarian Cohort

The study analyzed 160 Japanese centenarians, with an average age of 107, comparing their gut bacteria to 112 elderly individuals in their late 80s and 47 younger participants. The researchers, led by microbiologist Yuko Sato of Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo, examined differences in bacterial species and the compounds they produced.

What Makes Their Gut Unique?

Previous studies, such as those conducted on centenarians in Sardinia, Italy, have shown that individuals over 100 often harbor a more diverse range of core microbiota in their intestines than younger people. This latest research aligns with these findings and suggests that the unique bacterial communities in centenarians may play a role in their ability to resist disease and maintain health.

The Role of Bile Acids

One notable discovery was the presence of a specific bacterial strain, Odoribacteraceae, in the centenarians’ gut. This strain produces isoallolithocholic acid (isoalloLCA), a bile acid with significant antimicrobial properties. The researchers found that the total bile acid load was similar across age groups, but the composition of these acids was distinct in centenarians.

In their paper, the researchers noted, “Notably, both fecal acid profile and the microbial community type of centenarians were generally stable between longitudinal samples.” However, the study did not account for lifestyle factors such as diet, making it unclear what directly influenced the microbiome composition.

Fighting Dangerous Infections

Further experiments demonstrated that isoalloLCA could inhibit the growth of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), a bacterium responsible for severe diarrhea and colon inflammation. When mice infected with C. difficile were treated with the bile-producing bacterial strains found in centenarians, the infection was significantly reduced, suggesting these strains could help combat harmful pathogens.

The researchers concluded, “To our knowledge, isoalloLCA is one of the most potent anti-microbial agents selective against gram-positive microbes, including multidrug-resistant pathogens.”

The Bigger Picture: Correlation vs. Causation

While the findings highlight a fascinating connection between the gut microbiome and longevity, some experts urge caution. Professor Kim Barrett of the University of California, San Diego, who was not involved in the study, explained, “Like many studies that seek to implicate specific microbiome signatures with particular conditions in humans, as yet the work mostly reveals correlations rather than causality.”

She added, “On the other hand, bile acids are emerging as a new class of intestinal hormones that appear to do more than just aid fat digestion and absorption. It is certainly conceivable that manipulating concentrations of specific bile acids, whether microbial or by giving them directly, could exert health benefits.”

Toward a Longevity Pill?

While the idea of a probiotic pill to extend lifespan is enticing, current research on live bacteria supplements has yielded mixed results. More studies are needed before such treatments become viable.

In the meantime, there are proven strategies to support a longer, healthier life, including:

  • Prioritizing high-quality sleep

  • Engaging in regular physical activity

  • Building meaningful social connections

  • Consuming a balanced, nutrient-rich diet

The emerging research on the gut microbiome adds another layer to understanding longevity, offering exciting possibilities for future interventions while reinforcing the importance of holistic health practices.

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