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Relationship Functioning and Gut Microbiota Composition among Older Adult Couples

Author

Listed:
  • Qiwen Cheng

    (Biodesign Center for Health through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA)

  • Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown

    (Biodesign Center for Health through Microbiomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
    School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA)

  • John K. DiBaise

    (Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA)

  • Juan Maldonado

    (Knowledge Enterprise Genomics Core, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA)

  • M. Aaron Guest

    (Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA)

  • Michael Todd

    (Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA)

  • Shelby L. Langer

    (Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA)

Abstract

An emerging area of research extends work on couple functioning and physical health to gut health, a critical marker of general health and known to diminish with age. As a foray into this area, we conducted a pilot study to (1) determine the feasibility of remote data collection, including a fecal sample, from older adult couples, (2) examine within-couple concordance in gut microbiota composition, and (3) examine associations between relationship functioning and gut microbiota composition. Couples (N = 30) were recruited from the community. The participants’ demographic characteristics were as follows: M (SD) age = 66.6 (4.8), 53% female, 92% White, and 2% Hispanic. Two of the couples were same-sex. All 60 participants completed self-report measures and supplied a fecal sample for microbiome analysis. Microbial DNA was extracted from the samples, and the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was amplified and sequenced. The results indicated that individuals shared more similar gut microbial composition with their partners than with others in the sample, p < 0.0001. In addition, individuals with better relationship quality (greater relationship satisfaction and intimacy and less avoidant communication) had greater microbial diversity, p < 0.05, a sign of healthier gut microbiota. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is warranted to elucidate mechanisms.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiwen Cheng & Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown & John K. DiBaise & Juan Maldonado & M. Aaron Guest & Michael Todd & Shelby L. Langer, 2023. "Relationship Functioning and Gut Microbiota Composition among Older Adult Couples," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:8:p:5435-:d:1118253
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    References listed on IDEAS

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