A pilot study published in Biomolecules shows that three probiotics strains combined with vitamin D rejuvenates biological age by an average of 11 years by deterring two important drivers of aging and helps to improve the immune system of women and men.
Our gut bacteria composition plays important roles in how our immune system functions and how we age. Thus, it stands to reason that introducing beneficial bacteria such as probiotics to our digestive tract helps to improve immune function and may even slow down the aging process.
Vitamin D and our gut microbiome are also closely linked, having anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects in the gut. However, the gut microbiome changes with age, but there is evidence that vitamin D levels are associated with gut microbiome diversity in older people.
Biological age can be thought of as our cell, body, and organ age, while chronological age is the number of years we have been alive. Some people have a biological age that is lower than their chronological age, and some people have a biological age that is higher than their chronological age, which suggests that they are experiencing accelerated aging.
Investigating the vitamin D and probiotic combination
For this study, the researchers utilized several biological measurements, including those to assess immune system health to determine the participant’s biological age. One of the measurements taken was the activity of natural killer white blood cells that help to fight off diseases before and after taking the vitamin D and probiotics (Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus plantarum) combination every day for two months.
According to the researchers, the activity levels of the white blood cells were higher among participants who took the vitamin D and probiotics combination. Their analysis revealed that, on average, after taking the combination the biological age of the participants was reduced by 11 years. Before taking the vitamin D and probiotics combination, the participants already had a biological age of 58 years that was higher than their chronicle age of 48 years old
In addition to assessing immune function, two major underlying drivers of cellular aging (oxidative stress and inflammation) were also assessed by the researchers. This analysis revealed that the vitamin D and probiotics combination reduced levels of both oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that enhancing the immune system with the combination may slow aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
More research is required
This study was not without limitations such as only including 24 participants between the ages of 30 and 60 years old. Small sample sizes can lead to statistical errors that a larger popular can otherwise avoid. The study also did not have a control group, making it difficult to determine if the vitamin D and probiotic combination played a causal role in improving immune function and reversing biological aging.
While more research is required to control for unforeseen variables, overall, the study supports the notion that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can lead to better health.
It is also worth noting that while probiotics promote a healthier gut microbiome so does a diet rich in fiber which can be obtained through consuming whole grains, nuts, legumes, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/14/11/1360
https://worldhealth.net/news/probiotics-may-help-digestive-issues-boost-heart-health-immune-system/
