Social connections influence gut flora, confirmed scientists from the University of East Anglia. The study was conducted using Seychelles reed warblers. This is reported by ScienceDaily.
Scientists collected hundreds of fecal samples from birds with known social roles: nesting pairs, helpers, and individuals not involved in group activities. Each reed warbler had a colored ring attached to its leg, allowing researchers to track behavior and health status. In the laboratory, specialists analyzed the composition of beneficial bacteria communities in the birds' digestive systems.
The results showed that individuals spending a lot of time together had similar gut bacteria compositions. Importantly, social contact played a key role rather than diet, which aligns with previous data on the similarity of the microbiome in people who have lived together for a long time.
Researchers believe that the findings shed light on processes in people from the same family. They suggest that daily interactions—hugs, kisses, and cooking together—may facilitate the exchange of gut microbes regardless of whether a person lives with a partner, neighbor, or family member.
