Research Identifies Bacteria Tied to Slower and Faster Aging Rates

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research team has identified specific gut bacteria associated with accelerated or decelerated biological aging. The findings, published in Scientific Reports on 14 July 2026, show microbial patterns explained approximately 15% of differences in participants’ biological aging rates.

How gut microbes correlate with molecular aging markers

Scientists analyzed stool and blood samples from 123 adults across a broad chronological age range. They matched microbial profiles against DunedinPACE — a next-generation biomarker quantifying the pace of biological aging based on DNA methylation patterns. Unlike chronological age, which tracks calendar years, biological aging metrics reflect physiological change over time.

Bifidobacterium adolescentis emerged as one of the strongest microbial signatures linked to slower biological aging. In contrast, Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens showed one of the most pronounced associations with faster aging. These relationships held even after adjusting for chronological age.

What the researchers said about resilience and representation

“The gut microbiome is highly responsive to lifestyle, diet, environment and other everyday exposures,” said lead author Braden P. Kunihiro. “Our findings suggest that the microbiome may reflect important aspects of biological resilience and aging in ways that could eventually help inform future wellness and healthy aging strategies.”

Senior author Alika K. Maunakea of the UH Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine stated: “This study advances our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and biological aging. We found that microbial patterns in the gut were significantly associated with molecular measures of aging, even independent of chronological age. These findings open important new directions for understanding how modifiable biological systems influence long-term health trajectories and longevity.”

The study included Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants — groups historically underrepresented in aging and microbiome research. Co-author Ruben Juarez emphasized the microbiome’s role as an interface: “The microbiome exists at the intersection of behavior, environment and human biology. Studies like this help illuminate potential pathways through which lived experiences and social factors influence long-term health outcomes.”

Limitations and next steps

The researchers explicitly noted that the observed associations do not establish causation. No evidence was presented that altering gut bacteria directly changes the pace of aging. Further studies are required to determine whether intentional microbiome modulation can affect biological aging rates.

“This is an important early step toward understanding the gut microbiome’s relationship with healthy aging,” Maunakea added. “Future research will help clarify the mechanisms involved and whether these microbial signatures may eventually contribute to precision approaches for promoting long-term health and wellness.”