BUFFALO, NY — June 25, 2026 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 18 of Aging on May 29, 2026, titled “Short-term responsiveness of DNA methylation–based aging biomarkers to a multimodal intervention comprising exercise and dietary guidance involving daily consumption of yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536: an exploratory randomized controlled trial.”
The study, selected as our Editors’ Choice, was led by first author Tatsuki Nishimura and corresponding author Yukihiro Hishida from the R&D Division of Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Japan.
As researchers continue searching for practical ways to promote healthy aging, increasing attention has focused on interventions that target multiple biological pathways simultaneously. While exercise and healthy eating are widely recognized as important components of healthy aging, scientists are also investigating whether specific dietary components and gut microbes may influence biological aging processes measurable at the molecular level.
In this study, researchers evaluated whether a 12-week lifestyle program could affect DNA methylation–based biomarkers of aging in overweight men aged 50 years and older. The intervention combined individualized exercise guidance, dietary counseling, and daily consumption of yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536, a probiotic strain that has previously been linked to beneficial effects on inflammation and gut health.
The randomized controlled trial enrolled 48 participants, who were assigned either to the intervention group or to a control group that maintained their usual lifestyle habits. Participants in the intervention group received dietary counseling focused on reducing overeating, exercise guidance encouraging regular walking or stepper-based activity, and a daily serving of yogurt containing Bifidobacterium longum BB536.
To assess biological aging, the investigators measured several DNA methylation–based aging biomarkers before and after the 12-week intervention. Particular attention was given to DunedinPACE, an epigenetic measure designed to estimate the current pace of biological aging rather than biological age itself.
Full press release - https://aging-us.net/2026/06/25/lifestyle-intervention-linked-to-slower-biological-aging-markers-in-older-men/
DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206386
Corresponding author - Yukihiro Hishida - yukihiro-hishida639@morinagamilk.co.jp
Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W5sDpGgZtE
Sign up for free Altmetric alerts about this article -
https://aging.altmetric.com/details/email_updates?id=10.18632%2Faging.206386
Keywords - aging, DNA methylation clock, DunedinPACE, Multicomponent lifestyle intervention, Bifidobacterium longum BB536
To learn more about the journal, please visit https://www.Aging-US.com and connect with us on social media at:
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social
ResearchGate - https://www.researchgate.net/journal/Aging-1945-4589
X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/AgingUS/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Aging-US
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc
MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM
