Association of dietary index for gut microbiota with frailty in middle-aged and older Americans: a cross-sectional study and mediation analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While frailty poses significant challenges in aging populations, evidence regarding gut microbiome-targeted nutritional strategies remains limited. The novel Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM), quantifying microbial-pertinent dietary patterns, provides a framework for personalized frailty mitigation.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed 12,914 middle-aged and older Americans (≥45 years) from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2018. Frailty status was assessed using a validated 49-item index (non-frail ≤0.21; frail >0.21). The DI-GM (range 0-10) was derived from 14 microbiota-linked dietary components through two 24-h recall interviews. Multivariable logistic regression with sensitivity analyses, restricted cubic splines (RCS), strat

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12237688 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature