How does the Gut Microbiota vary across One’s Lifespan?
Baby/toddler: Dominance of bacteroidetes (Bacteroidetes are symbiotic species highly adjusted to the GI tract, and perform metabolic conversions such as degradation of proteins or complex sugar polymers.)
Adult: Stable composition
Elderly: Lower diversity and potential increase of harmful bacterial groups
Influencing factors:
Baby/toddler:
– Delivery mode (vaginal vs C-section)
– Breastfeeding vs formula
– Term vs preterm
Adult:
– Diet
– Lifestyle
– Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
– Exercise
Elderly:
– Decline of physiological functions
– Diet
– Lifestyle
– Medications (e.g., antibiotics)
Here’s the impact of common dietary patterns to gut microbiota.
Reference(s):
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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