Gut bacterium Roseburia inulinivorans tied to greater muscle strength in older adults
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
A gut bacterium, Roseburia inulinivorans, is associated with 29% greater handgrip strength in older adults, according to a study published in Gut. Researchers from the Netherlands and Spain found the microbe also improved muscle performance in mice. The findings suggest the bacterium could be developed into a probiotic for age-related muscle wasting.
Key Facts
- Older adults with detectable Roseburia inulinivorans had 29% greater handgrip strength than those without the bacterium.
- The study analyzed stool samples from 90 healthy young adults aged 18–25 and 33 older adults aged 65+.
- Roseburia was the only bacterial genus positively associated with both muscle mass and strength.
- In younger adults, higher R. inulinivorans levels correlated with stronger handgrip and higher VO2 max.
- The findings were published online in the journal Gut by researchers from the Netherlands and Spain.
Study Design
Researchers analyzed stool samples from 90 healthy young adults aged 18–25 and 33 older adults aged 65+ to identify gut bacteria. Physical fitness was measured using hand grip strength, leg press, bench press, and VO2 max. Roseburia was the only bacterial genus that showed a positive association with both muscle mass and strength. Individual Roseburia species differed: R. faecis and R. intestinalis were not significantly associated with hand grip strength or VO2 max in either age group.
Age-Related Differences
Among older participants, those with detectable R. inulinivorans had 29% greater handgrip strength than those without the bacterium. This strength difference occurred without a corresponding increase in peak oxygen uptake, indicating better fitness. In younger adults, higher levels of R. inulinivorans were associated with both stronger handgrip and higher VO2 max. Greater relative abundance of R. inulinivorans and R. intestinalis was also associated with better leg press and bench press performance. Levels of R. faecis and R. hominis were not associated with any measures of muscle strength.
Mechanism and Potential Application
The findings suggest R. inulinivorans can alter metabolic activity inside muscle and increase the proportion of fast-twitch (type II) fibers. Fast-twitch fibers are important for short bursts of intense activity such as sprinting and weightlifting. Researchers from the Netherlands and Spain say the bacterium could potentially be developed into a nutraceutical probiotic aimed at age-related muscle wasting. Roseburia bacteria were generally more abundant among younger participants.
1 source
Gut bacterium Roseburia inulinivorans tied to greater muscle strength in older adults
