A study published in Nature Aging on August 25, 2026, reported that the gut bacterium Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum and its metabolite 5-aminovaleric acid betaine can alleviate aging hallmarks and extend healthy lifespan in mice. ^[1] When aged mice were given 5-aminovaleric acid betaine directly, their memory, motor coordination, and mood-related behaviors all improved. ^[2] Researchers published findings in the journal Nature Aging stating that the quantity of the gut bacteria Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum is linked to the aging process. ^[3] The abundance of the bacterium Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum declined sharply with age in both men and women, regardless of gut pattern. ^[4] Using the MicroAge microbiome aging clock, researchers found that individuals carrying higher levels of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum exhibited a younger biological age. ^[5] Researchers determined that the effect may be related to the substance 5-AVAB, which is produced by the bacteria and whose levels also decrease with age. ^[6] Scientists analyzed data from several groups of adults and discovered that the amount of the gut bacteria Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum noticeably decreases with age in both men and women. ^[7] The study observed that people with higher levels of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum had a microbiome corresponding to a younger biological age and better health indicators. ^[8]