Modulation of Elderly Gut Microbiota by Iron-Saturated Bovine Lactoferrin and Essential Oils in an In Vitro Colon Model

Age-related alterations in gut microbiota composition are associated with frailty and increased disease risk. Bioactive food ingredients such as lactoferrin and essential oils have emerged as potential modulators of the gut microbiome. This study investigated the effects of (1) bovine lactoferrin with different iron saturation states and (2) essential oils derived from clove and thyme, along with their main bioactive compounds (eugenol and thymol), on elderly gut microbiota using both a defined bacterial consortium (S7) and an in vitro colon model inoculated with faecal microbiota from healthy and frail elderly donors.