Social connections play a significant role in shaping the microbiome of individuals, according to a recent study conducted in remote villages in Honduras. The study, published in Nature, analyzed nearly 2,000 people living in isolated villages to understand how social interactions influence gut microorganisms.
The research found that individuals who spend time together, such as friends and family members, share a similar composition of gut microorganisms. Even individuals who do not live in the same household but have regular social interactions share a significant percentage of microbial strains. This indicates that social contacts play a crucial role in shaping an individual’s microbiome.
The study also highlighted the idea of transmission chains, where friends of friends share more microbial strains than expected by chance. This suggests that microbiomes can be passed from person to person through social interactions, impacting health conditions linked to the microbiome such as hypertension and depression.
Microbiologist Catherine Robinson from the University of Oregon emphasized the importance of considering social interactions when studying the microbiome. She believes that understanding the role of social connections in shaping the microbiome is a crucial piece of the puzzle in determining overall health.
Nicholas Christakis, a social scientist from Yale University, led the research team to investigate the impact of social interactions on the gut microbiome. The team’s findings suggest that individuals who share social connections also share microbial strains, indicating a potential link between social interactions and health conditions influenced by the microbiome.
The study conducted in Honduras involved mapping social relationships and analyzing microbiomes of individuals living in isolated villages. The researchers found that spouses and individuals living in the same house share a significant percentage of microbial strains in their guts. Even individuals who do not share a roof but spend free time together also share a considerable portion of microbial strains.
Overall, the study adds depth to scientists’ understanding of how the microbiome is shaped and transmitted between individuals. While there is evidence of microbial transmission through social interactions, experts emphasize the benefits of social connections and close contacts in maintaining a healthy microbiome.
Microbiologist Mireia Valles-Colomer from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona highlighted the significance of the study’s findings in understanding the transmission of gut microbes. She mentioned that social contacts are likely to share the same microbial strains through interactions, emphasizing the importance of considering social connections in microbiome research.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the impact of social connections on the microbiome and suggests that health conditions related to the microbiome could be influenced by social interactions. Understanding the role of social contacts in shaping the microbiome is essential for developing new approaches to improve overall health and well-being.
