Microbial Targets for the Development of Functional Foods Accordingly with Nutritional and Immune Parameters Altered in the Elderly

Objective: The development of functional foods for microbiota modulation in the elderly constitutes an interesting strategy. However, for such development, specific targets, not just in terms of microbiota but also considering immune and nutritional parameters, should be identified in this population. Methods: We analyzed the intestinal microbiota and immune parameters in 38 institutionalized elderly (mean 84 years old) and a group of 38 elderly adults (mean 62 years old). Nutritional assessments were also carried out. Results: The elderly people in this study presented reduced levels of Faecalibacterium genus and Bacteroides and Blautia coccoides groups and increased Lactobacillus group, as well as reduced levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) when compared to younger adults. Moreover, they showed higher levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-12 as well as the chemokine IL-8. Significant nutritional deficiencies were also observed in the elderly group. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest potential targets for the development of functional foods for the elderly population.