Lay opinion vs evidence: Mikrobiom Senioren

The popular belief that the microbiome in seniors is fundamentally different and that targeted interventions (probiotics, prebiotics) can halt aging is widespread among laypeople. The evidence, however, paints a more nuanced picture: Yes, gut microbiome composition changes with age – diversity often declines, and pro-inflammatory bacteria may increase. However, these changes are heavily influenced by diet, medication (especially antibiotics), lifestyle, and comorbidities. Causal links between specific microbiome profiles and longevity are not established. Intervention studies with probiotics in seniors typically show small, often non-reproducible effects on inflammatory markers or stool frequency, but no robust improvement in clinical endpoints such as fall risk or cognitive performance. Marketing of personalized microbiome tests for seniors often promises more than science can deliver. Safety note: In older, immunocompromised individuals, certain probiotics (e.g., live bacteria) can cause infections. Conclusion: A healthy lifestyle with a fiber-rich diet is sensible for seniors, but specific microbiome diets or supplements are not evidence-based.