The role of gut microbiota in human metabolism and inflammatory diseases: a focus on elderly individuals

Abstract Background The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating the host’s immune responses during aging, which was characterized by a different abundance of bacteria in several age groups. Main body Gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with aging, antibiotic exposure, underlying diseases, infections, hormonal variations, circadian rhythm, and malnutrition, either singularly or in combination. The appropriate use of prebiotics and probiotics may be able to prevent or reduce this disruption. Conclusion The current review focuses on the gut microbiota composition across the life cycle, factors affecting gut microbiota changes with aging, and interventions to modulate gut microbiota.