Insights from the Microbiome of the World's Oldest Person on Aging

In 2024, María Branyas Morera passed away at the remarkable age of 117, leaving behind invaluable scientific contributions, including samples of her gut microbiome.

Research into her microbiome revealed a diversity typically seen in individuals much younger than herself, featuring a rich array of beneficial bacteria associated with longevity and resilience. Daily consumption of yogurt and adherence to a Mediterranean diet likely contributed to this healthy microbiome. While genetic inheritance plays a role in longevity, cultivating one's microbiome could be a significant factor in promoting lasting health.

A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine delved into the microbiome of Branyas, marking one of the most comprehensive scientific examinations of a supercentenarian. Prior to her passing, she consented to participate in research aimed at understanding the secrets behind her exceptional lifespan.

When researchers compared her microbiome samples with those from individuals who did not reach such advanced ages, the genetic findings were expected; Branyas possessed certain genetic variants that offer protection against prevalent diseases. However, the study also focused on a more controllable factor--the gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome encompasses a vast community of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, residing in the intestines. These organisms play a crucial role in food digestion, vitamin production, immune system modulation, and even brain communication. While genetic factors minimally influence microbiome composition, diet and lifestyle significantly shape it.

Typically, as individuals age, their gut microbiomes experience a decline in diversity, particularly a drop in beneficial microbes like Bifidobacterium. This reduction has been correlated with increased frailty. However, the analysis of Branyas' gut microbiome painted a different picture; her microbiome exhibited a diversity akin to that of much younger adults, with a notable abundance of the Bifidobacteriaceae family. Previous studies have indicated similar elevated levels of Bifidobacterium in other centenarians and supercentenarians, leading researchers to deduce that this youthful microbiome may have played a role in supporting her gut and immune health, ultimately contributing to her extraordinary lifespan.

Bifidobacteria are among the first microorganisms to inhabit an infant's gut and are generally recognized as beneficial throughout life. Research links these bacteria to enhanced immune function, protection against gastrointestinal disorders, and cholesterol regulation.

Branyas' dietary habits provide insights into her ability to maintain high levels of Bifidobacterium. She reported consuming three yogurts daily, each containing live bacteria known to promote the growth of Bifidobacterium. Her adherence to a predominantly Mediterranean diet--a dietary pattern consistently associated with gut microbiome diversity and overall health--was also significant.

Other food sources that support Bifidobacterium include kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut. These foods are rich in probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can settle in the gut and provide health benefits. However, probiotics require fuel in the form of prebiotics--dietary fibers that humans cannot digest but that beneficial microbes thrive on. Prebiotics can be found in a variety of foods, including onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, and legumes. Together, probiotics and prebiotics play a vital role in maintaining a balanced microbiome.

It is essential to note that this research focuses on a singular individual, and scientists are cautious about attributing her longevity solely to her microbiome. The factors contributing to her exceptional lifespan are likely multifaceted, involving protective genetics, efficient metabolism, low inflammation levels, and potentially, the support of a diverse gut microbiome.

While microbiome research is rapidly evolving, the exact characteristics of an optimal microbiome remain elusive. Greater microbial diversity is generally associated with better health outcomes, yet there is no one-size-fits-all blueprint for longevity. Nevertheless, Branyas' case reinforces a growing consensus that nurturing a diverse and beneficial microbiome is advantageous for overall health and resilience.

While genetic factors are beyond our control, we can take steps to support our gut microbes. Simple actions such as including fermented foods like live yogurts, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut in our diets, along with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains that provide essential prebiotics, can be beneficial. Following a Mediterranean-style diet--rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, with olive oil as the primary fat, regular consumption of fish and legumes, and minimal intake of red meat, processed foods, and added sugars--has consistently been linked to both microbiome diversity and a reduced risk of disease.

While these habits may not guarantee a lifespan exceeding 110 years, they are associated with lower risks of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Branyas' life serves as a poignant reminder that longevity results from a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and biological factors. Although not every aspect of our health is within our control, actively nurturing our gut microbiome presents a tangible step toward achieving lasting health.