A new study from the University of Turku in Finland has found that people who have more antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their gut may face a higher risk of death.
The study showed that people with a high resistance burden were 40% more likely to die from any cause during the follow-up period.
The study also found more than double the risk of sepsis, a life-threatening infection. This research looked at data from more than 7,000 people over 17 years.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a major health threat. They already cause over one million deaths around the world each year, and the number is still rising. The study found that having more resistance genes in your gut bacteria may predict your future risk of serious infections or even death, just like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes can.
Researchers studied stool samples collected from participants in a large Finnish health survey called FINRISK. They looked for antibiotic resistance genes in the samples and compared the results with health outcomes over nearly two decades.
They found that taking antibiotics, especially tetracyclines, was the biggest reason people had more resistance genes. These effects lasted for years, showing that antibiotics can have long-term impacts on gut health. The most common resistance genes were linked to tetracycline use.
But it wasn’t just antibiotics. The researchers also discovered that diet, gender, location, and income level played a role. People with certain gut bacteria had higher resistance levels.
For example, bacteria like Escherichia coli and Bacteroides, which are common in western diets, were linked to more resistance. Meanwhile, people with more bifidobacteria and Prevotella, which are linked to fiber-rich foods, had lower resistance.
The kind of food people ate also mattered. Foods like berries, rye bread, and potatoes, which are high in fiber, were linked to lower resistance. But raw vegetables, salads, and chicken—which sometimes carry resistant bacteria—were linked to higher resistance.
Social factors were also important. Women had more resistance genes than men. People living in big cities and in higher-income households also showed higher resistance. Interestingly, these groups are usually thought to have better health overall.
The study suggests that resistance burden could be a useful marker of general health. Even though it doesn’t prove that resistance directly causes death, it shows that resistance levels can predict health outcomes over time.
Computers played a big role in analyzing the massive amount of data. Powerful machines, called supercomputers, helped the scientists study all the DNA and health information.
The researchers say that using fewer antibiotics is the most effective way to reduce resistance in the population. But everyone can help. Keeping good hygiene, cooking food properly, and eating a healthy, balanced diet can all support gut health and help prevent antibiotic resistance.
“Everyone has a role to play,” said study author Katariina Pärnänen. “By taking care of your health and being careful with antibiotic use, you can make a difference.”
If you care about gut health, please read studies about a surprising link between gut health and eye disease risk and Gut troubles could signal future Parkinson’s disease.
For more about gut health, please read studies that this stuff in coffee and chocolate may impact gut health and Gut health is linked to anxiety levels.
The study is published in Nature Communications.
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