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The journey towards health: Insights from the microbiomeThe journey towards health: Insights from the microbiome

The trillions of microorganisms inside us – bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more – could hold the key to a healthier, longer life. While most microbiome research has focused on the gut, the mouth, lung, skin, and genito-urinary tract are offering unique insights into healthy ageing.

L. Emiliano Pena A., PhD RD, Freelancer

October 28, 2024

5 Min Read
The journey towards health: Insights from the microbiome
© iStock/koto_feja

One of the major themes that emerged at NutrEvent 2024, held earlier this month in Lille, was the role of the microbiome in ageing and disease prevention. Focused on innovation in food, health, and nutrition, the event brought together worldwide experts to discuss the latest trends and research.

The microbiome and healthy ageing

Dr Josep del Bas, from Eurecat, a Spanish contract research organisation, pointed out that we are only scratching the surface when it comes to understanding the role of the microbiome in ageing.

We now have a better understanding about which microbes are present in healthy individuals, yet there is still so much to learn about what each microbe does.

And while there is still no universal consensus on what a “healthy” microbiome looks like, research studies suggest some fascinating associations between unique gut microbiome profiles and healthy ageing, albeit more dependent on ethnicity-specific and regional factors influencing food choices.

Interestingly, research also suggests that as we age, certain microbial communities shift, potentially impacting our vulnerability to chronic diseases. Imagine if, one day, we could transfer microbes from young individuals to older ones to help slow down the ageing process. It is a tantalising prospect that is being explored even now, although the evidence on ageing is currently limited to model organisms such as mice.

In humans, for example, faecal transplants with “good” bacteria have been used successfully to treat recurrent intestinal infections from Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that is increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics.

What impacts the microbiome?

One of the biggest factors that influences the microbiome is diet.

Dr Marjolijn Bragt, from Wageningen University, shared insights from the FIBERME project, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to understand how dietary fibre shapes the microbiome.

Fibre is hugely important for our gut – it promotes a diverse and resilient microbiome, which can help maintain health.

And it is not just about fibre: Dr Francesco Asnicar, from the University of Trento, presented research highlighting other foods that may benefit the microbiome, like coffee, unsalted nuts, and seeds. Is that morning coffee doing more than just waking us up?

The world of biotics: Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics

We have heard a lot about probiotics – microorganisms that may benefit our gut health – and several human studies using probiotics have been published.

While prebiotics feed our “good” microbes, postbiotics are beneficial byproducts derived by inactivating these microbes; and their inactivated form might be even more powerful.

François Heroufosse, CEO of THT, the biotech division of Puratos Group that manufactures biotics, touched on Akkermansia muciniphila.

Preclinical evidence suggests that when inactivated as a postbiotic, Akkermansia muciniphila may be helpful in managing body weight and inflammatory markers. But here is the catch: in the EU, companies cannot yet make specific human health claims about biotics.

The regulatory hurdles are tough. According to Jérôme Darribeau, from ADM, companies must produce convincing evidence through extensive testing to apply for the recognition of claimed health benefits from regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Yet, even though hundreds of applications for biotics have been submitted to EFSA, these have not been deemed satisfactory to support human health claims.

Most of what we know today about the microbiome comes from faecal samples, which tell us mainly about the large bowel. But there is more to the story: the small bowel also houses a unique microbial community that scientists are only beginning to explore.

With new technologies, like capsules that can take samples directly from the small intestine, scientists are starting to unlock the mysteries of this realm, which could yield new insights into how the microbiome supports healthy ageing.

Is it time to redefine personalised nutrition?

Personalised nutrition has been a buzzword for some time but, as we learn more about the microbiome, it might be time to think bigger.

Dr Robert Jan Brummer, professor of gastroenterology and clinical nutrition at Örebro University in Sweden, suggested moving towards a “responsive” nutrition approach. This would mean developing nutritional strategies that can adapt to the constant changes happening in our microbiome and consider intra-individual variability.

Intra-individual variability refers to the way in which the same person may show microbiome differences over time, rather than being fully static. This could be an exciting shift taking personalised nutrition to a whole new level.

Solutions for the future: New microbial sources and technology

Innovation is taking microbiome research to incredible new places.

Daniel Ramon Calvo, from Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence, a Spanish microbial biotech company that spun off from the University of Valencia, said scientists are finding useful microbes in places we would never expect, like soil and sand. Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence uses advanced databases to replicate natural conditions and find microbes that might benefit human health.

Meanwhile, Timothy Swartz, scientific programme director at the French personalised nutrition startup Integrative Phenomics, touched on how it is using digital twins and AI to model how different diets may impact our health.

Olivier Raimond, from Belgian biotic supplier BellaVie, discussed “synbioceuticals”, which combine prebiotics, probiotics, and nutraceuticals to offer all-around health benefits. These technologies are paving the way for solutions that may change the way we approach health and disease prevention.

The microbiome has huge potential in supporting health and preventing disease, especially as we age. But while the science is advancing rapidly, the commercial side is moving even faster.

Many products are out there already, but we need more human studies to back them up. And the regulatory landscape will also have to catch up. As guidelines become clearer, we will likely see more products that can confidently promise real health benefits.

For now, staying informed and following a healthy lifestyle is our best bet – after all, our microbiome responds to what we eat and as such, might just be one of our most powerful allies in living a long, healthy life.

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