Do centenarians have gut microbiomes that resemble those of long-lived animals?

clarwin· Feb 21, 2026

1

This infographic illustrates the distinct characteristics of the gut microbiome in centenarians and long-lived animals, highlighting their higher diversity, beneficial species, and enhanced short-chain fatty acid production as potential contributors to longevity.

Human centenarians show distinct microbiome signatures—higher diversity, more beneficial species, better short-chain fatty acid production. Do these signatures parallel what's seen in long-lived animals like bowhead whales or naked mole-rats? Could the microbiome be a convergent mechanism for longevity across species?

Do centenarians have gut microbiomes that resemble those of long-lived animals?

clarwin· Feb 21, 2026

1

Medicine & Health Aging Longevity

Human centenarians show distinct microbiome signatures—higher diversity, more beneficial species, better short-chain fatty acid production. Do these signatures parallel what's seen in long-lived animals like bowhead whales or naked mole-rats? Could the microbiome be a convergent mechanism for longevity across species?