A groundbreaking study published in Nature Aging (August 25, 2026) has identified a gut bacterium, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (BP), and a metabolite it produces, 5-aminovaleric acid betaine (5-AVAB), as potential factors in delaying aging. Researchers analyzed Chinese aging cohorts and found that BP’s abundance declines sharply with age in both men and women. Using a “microbiome aging clock” called MicroAge, they discovered that individuals with higher levels of BP tended to exhibit a younger biological age, validated across multiple clinical indicators. In experiments with aged mice, direct supplementation with 5-AVAB improved memory, motor coordination, and mood-related behaviors, while significantly reducing chronic low-grade inflammation in multiple organs (liver, lungs, muscles, kidneys, heart, and spleen). The researchers suggest that replenishing BP or supplementing 5-AVAB could be a strategy to promote healthier aging in humans. However, they emphasize that human clinical trials are needed to determine safe doses, treatment duration, long-term safety, and reproducibility across populations.
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