Age-dependent changes in GI physiology and microbiota: time to reconsider?

Ran An, Ellen Wilms, Ad A. M. Masclee, Hauke Smidt, Erwin G. Zoetendal*, Daisy Jonkers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Our life expectancy is increasing, leading to a rise in the ageing population. Ageing is associated with a decline in physiological function and adaptive capacity. Altered GI physiology can affect the amount and types of nutrients digested and absorbed as well as impact the intestinal microbiota. The intestinal microbiota is considered a key player in our health, and a variety of studies have reported that microbiota composition is changing during ageing. Since ageing is associated with a decline in GI function and adaptive capacity, it is crucial to obtain insights into this decline and how this is related to the intestinal microbiota in the elderly. Hence, in this review we focus on age-related changes in GI physiology and function, changes of the intestinal microbiota with ageing and frailty, how these are associated and how intestinal microbiota-targeted interventions may counteract these changes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2213-2222
Number of pages10
JournalGut
Volume67
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2018

Keywords

  • NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS
  • GUT MICROBIOTA
  • FECAL MICROBIOTA
  • INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA
  • YOUNG-ADULTS
  • OLDER ADULTS
  • FRAILTY
  • PREVALENCE
  • HEALTH
  • DIET

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Age-dependent changes in GI physiology and microbiota: time to reconsider?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this