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In a recent study of mice published in Nature March 31 2025, found that microbiome is associated with multiple “health parameters, including body composition, immune components and frailty, but not lifespan.”

 

The study analysed 2,997 metagenomes collected from 913 genetically diverse mice. They investigated interactions between the microbiome, ageing, dietary restriction (caloric restriction and fasting), host genetics and a range of health parameters.

 

They found that the majority of microbiome features show small but significant connection to inherited genetic factors, and the amount of variation explained by host genetics is similar to ageing and dietary restriction.

 

We also find that while dietary interventions lead to larger microbiome changes and dietary restriction does not rejuvenate the microbiome, but not longevity.

 

MCTs are a type of saturated fat found in certain foods. They are made up of medium-length fatty acid chains, which are easily digested and absorbed by the body, more so than LCTs (long chain triglycerides).

 

Natural Sources of MCTs: 

Coconut oil 
Palm kernel oil 
Full-fat dairy products (e.g., butter, cheese, milk) 
Breast milk 
 
MCTs support a balanced gut microbiota, promoting healthy bacteria, reducing inflammation, and improving digestion and nutrient absorption.

 

There are four types of MCTs: caproic, caprylic, capric, and lauric acid. Each has a slightly different chemical structure. You can find MCTs in coconut oil, cow’s milk, and palm kernel oil, according to an April 15 2025 Health.com report.

 

The Health.com report highlights how MCTs can alleviate different types of mental disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and autism. MCTs have also shown to prevent digestive disorders and blood sugar levels.

 

 

 

According to an April 30 2025 study by the North Carolina State University, our diet not only affects our gut microbiome and health, it influences our susceptibility to diseases and even life expectancy.

 

Protein sources in an animal’s diet can have major effects on the human gut microbiome, both in population and function. Alfredo Blakeley-Ruiz, an NC State’s postdoctoral researcher, set out to learn how diets affect our gut, particularly protein diets using an integrated metagenomics-metaproteomics approach. Metagenomics analyzes the entire genetic makeup of a microbial community (DNA) while Metaproteomics, the entire protein.

 

“The composition of the gut microbiome significantly changed every time we changed the protein source.” In their mouse study, protein sources showed extreme effects, the biggest effects being brown rice, yeast and egg whites, adds Blakeley-Ruiz.

 

These proteins caused microbes in the gut to change the production of enzymes that break down glycans, long chains of sugar. One bacterium took over and activated a bunch of glycan-degrading enzymes, which are potentially damaging to our gut lining. 

Recent findings show that milk consumption is connected with an uptick in several helpful bacteria which help lower inflammation and improved gut barriers, according to a study led by Dr. Li Jiao from Baylor College of Medicine. Cheese on the other hand, may have the opposite effect.

 

Dr. Jiao and his team caution against sweeping conclusions because participants in the study involved a small group of 34 older men, and their average dairy intake was lower than national averages. It merely identifies a connection between dairy in this age group and the presence of certain healthy gut microbes.

Milk for example, supports the presence of Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacteria, each known to support a healthy, balanced gut.