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117-Year-Old's Secret: Youthful Gut Holds Clues
23 Sep
Summary
- Maria Branyas Morera lived to 117, showing biological markers of youth.
- Her gut microbiome was diverse with beneficial bacteria, resembling younger individuals.
- Genetic variants and diet may have contributed to her unusual longevity.
Maria Branyas Morera, who passed away in August 2024 at 117 years old, was the world's oldest verified person. Scientists studying her have uncovered intriguing insights into her unusually resilient biology. Analyses of her blood, saliva, urine, and stool revealed that certain aspects of her health did not reflect her extreme age.
Notably, her gut microbiome displayed a diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, typically found in younger individuals. This microbial profile, appearing unusually youthful, suggests a significant role for gut health in her longevity.
Researchers also identified rare genetic variants linked to cardiovascular health, immune function, cognition, and longevity. However, her body also exhibited signs of extreme aging, like shortened telomeres, indicating a complex interplay of aging processes.
Her diet, which reportedly included three yogurts daily and adhered to Mediterranean principles, may have supported her gut bacteria. Nevertheless, scientists emphasize that her microbiome was shaped by a combination of genetics, age, environment, and long-term dietary habits.
Branyas's unique case serves as a reminder that healthy aging is multifactorial. It may involve a synergy of genetics, diet, activity, social connections, and inflammation control, rather than a single magic bullet. Researchers caution that findings from one individual cannot be generalized and require further investigation in larger populations.
