The interaction between Mediterranean diet and intestinal microbiome: relevance for preventive strategies against frailty in older individuals

Abstract

Age-related changes in intestinal microbiome composition and function are increasingly recognized as pivotal in the pathophysiology of aging and are associated with the aging phenotype. Diet is a major determinant of gut-microbiota composition throughout the entire lifespan, and several of the benefits of a healthy diet in aging could be mediated by the microbiome. Mediterranean diet (MD) is a traditional dietary pattern regarded as the healthy diet paradigm, and a large number of studies have demonstrated its benefits in promoting healthy aging. MD has also a positive modulatory effect on intestinal microbiome, favoring bacterial taxa involved in the synthesis of several bioactive compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), that counteract inflammation, anabolic resistance, and tissue degeneration. Intervention studies conducted in older populations have suggested that the individual response of older subjects to MD, in terms of reduction of frailty scores and amelioration of cognitive function, is significantly mediated by the gut-microbiota composition and functionality. In this context, the pathophysiology of intestinal microbiome in aging should be considered when designing MD-based interventions tailored to the needs of geriatric patients.

Dietary fibre optimisation in support of global health

“…Diets that have been associated with health later in life, such as the Mediterranean diet and dietary patterns in “Blue Zones”, where populations display exceptional longevity, generally contain a relatively high intake of dietary fibre. In addition, the composition of the gut microbiome in older individuals has been suggested to be linked to frailty and cognitive functioning and has been proposed as a target to extend healthspan (Ticinesi et al., 2024 ). Whether there is a causal link between dietary fibre intake and healthy ageing remains to be established, given that there are a variety of other contributing factors, like social‐ and psychological health, physical activity and genetic background, that could be (partially) responsible for the effects observed (Pes et al., 2022 ).…”