Centenarians have a distinct microbiome that may help support longevity
Intestinal microbes in people aged 100 or over produce unique bile acids that might help keep infections at bay.
![Researchers found that a compound made by intestinal microbes in centenarians strongly inhibits the growth of Clostridium difficile (colorized), which causes severe diarrhea and gut inflammation. Researchers found that a compound made by intestinal microbes in centenarians strongly inhibits the growth of Clostridium difficile (colorized), which causes severe diarrhea and gut inflammation.](/files/styles/multiple_ct_header_phone/public/news/images/2021/C.difficile-JaniceCarr-CDC-800X596-1.png?h=d3e04ee7&itok=mfeyl2C8)
Credit: Janice Carr/CDC
Researchers found that a compound made by intestinal microbes in centenarians strongly inhibits the growth of Clostridium difficile (colorized), which causes severe diarrhea and gut inflammation.