Study Linking Mediterranean Diet, Gut Bacteria, and Brain Health in Aging

Dr. Ravinder Nagpal co-authored a study in Nutrients examining how dietary patterns shape the gut microbiome, insulin resistance, and brain structure during aging. The research demonstrates that a Mediterranean-style diet increases beneficial gut bacteria—specifically Oscillospira—which plays a key role in supporting white matter integrity and metabolic health. These findings highlight the potential of microbiome-targeted nutrition to promote healthy cognitive and metabolic trajectories in older adults.