Sex-Specific Diet–Microbiota Interactions in Ageing: Implications for Healthy Longevity
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Diet-microbiota interactions shape ageing; however, their sex-specific dimensions remain poorly defined. Human studies rarely stratify analyses by sex, while most evidence of sex-dependent microbial and metabolic responses comes from preclinical models. This review synthesizes current findings on the sex-specific pathways linking diet, microbiota, and healthy ageing. <b>Methods</b>: A narrative review was conducted by integrating human observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic animal research. Evidence was organized into four domains: (1) age-related changes in gut microbial composition; (2) microbiota-derived metabolites; (3) dietary patterns and functional nutrients; and (4) sex-specific endocrine and immunometabolism interactions influenced by the gut microbiota. <b>Results</b>: Ageing is characterized by dysbiosis, loss of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa, expansion of <i>Proteobacteria</i>, and reduced production of key metabolites including butyrate, indoles, and polyamines. Dietary fiber, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based proteins help restore these pathways and mitigate inflammaging. Sex differences persist into later life: women show reduced estrobolome activity and SCFA decline after menopause, whereas men display higher levels of pro-atherogenic metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Nutritional interventions, probiotics, and microbial metabolites exhibit sex-dependent responses in both human and animal studies. <b>Conclusions</b>: Diet-microbiota interactions shape ageing outcomes through sex-specific metabolic, hormonal, and immunological pathways. Incorporating sex as a biological variable is essential for developing personalized, nutrition-based strategies to support healthy ageing.
Authors
- Nimbe Torres (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1741-0984)
- Julieta Hernández-Acosta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6495-1580)
- Armando R. Tovar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1292-1312)
Institutions
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (MX)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nutrients
- Published
- 2025-12-08
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243833
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Gut microbiota and health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.61