Scientists discovered that a protein called RICTOR acts like a control switch for how our bodies respond to nutrients from bacteria in our gut. When this protein is turned off in worms, they lived longer and handled stress better—especially when eating bacteria rich in vitamin B12. The researchers found that B12 from bacteria triggers a chain reaction involving special molecules that clean up damaged parts of cells called mitochondria. This cleanup process appears to be the key to why these worms lived longer. The findings suggest that the balance between our genes, our gut bacteria, and the nutrients they produce might play an important role in aging and how long we live.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a protein called RICTOR controls whether our bodies can use nutrients from gut bacteria to stay healthy and live longer
  • Who participated: The study used C. elegans, which are tiny worms commonly used in aging research because their biology is similar to humans in important ways
  • Key finding: Worms without the RICTOR protein lived significantly longer and handled stress better when they ate bacteria containing vitamin B12, suggesting this protein normally limits how much we benefit from bacterial nutrients
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that vitamin B12 from dietary sources and gut bacteria may influence aging, but these findings are from worms and need human studies before we can make health recommendations. It’s too early to change your diet based on this alone.

The Research Details

Researchers used tiny worms (C. elegans) as a model organism to study how genes interact with diet and gut bacteria. They compared normal worms to worms missing the RICTOR gene and measured how long they lived, how well they handled stress, and what was happening inside their cells. The scientists also identified which specific nutrients and proteins were involved by testing different bacterial diets and measuring chemical changes in the worms’ bodies.

This approach allowed them to trace a complete pathway: from vitamin B12 in bacteria, through specific proteins that process this vitamin, to changes in cell energy factories (mitochondria), and finally to longer lifespan. By removing one piece at a time and seeing what stopped working, they figured out which parts were essential for the effect.

Using worms to study aging is valuable because their basic biology is similar to humans, but they live only 2-3 weeks, making it easy to study their entire lifespan. This research approach helps scientists understand the fundamental mechanisms of aging before testing in humans. The study is important because it shows how our genes, diet, and gut bacteria work together—a connection that’s often overlooked in aging research.

This is a detailed mechanistic study that traces a complete biological pathway, which is scientifically rigorous. However, the research was conducted in worms, not humans, so we cannot yet know if the same process works in people. The study was published on a preprint server (bioRxiv), meaning it hasn’t yet been reviewed and approved by other scientists in the traditional peer-review process. This doesn’t mean the work is wrong, but it should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

What the Results Show

Worms without the RICTOR protein lived longer and were more resistant to osmotic stress (salt water) when eating bacteria rich in vitamin B12. This effect depended on two specific proteins: one that processes B12 in the methionine cycle (a chemical pathway that’s important for many cell functions) and another that breaks down a compound called propionate in the mitochondria.

When these proteins worked together with B12, they created a molecule called succinate that accumulated in the mitochondria. This buildup triggered the mitochondria to break apart into smaller pieces, which then activated a cleanup process called mitophagy—essentially the cell’s way of removing damaged mitochondria. This cleanup process appeared to be responsible for the increased stress resistance and longer lifespan.

The researchers found that the RICTOR protein normally acts as a brake on this entire system, preventing the body from responding too strongly to bacterial nutrients. When RICTOR was absent, the brake was off, allowing the body to maximize the benefits of B12-rich bacteria.

The study showed that both vitamin B12 and the amino acid methionine (another nutrient from bacteria) act as signals that activate this pathway. The research also demonstrated that mitochondrial fragmentation—the breaking apart of these energy-producing structures—was essential for the benefits; when this process was blocked, the worms didn’t live longer even without RICTOR. Additionally, the findings suggest this pathway is evolutionarily conserved, meaning similar mechanisms likely exist in other organisms, including potentially humans.

Previous research has shown that RICTOR and related proteins control how cells respond to nutrients and stress, but this study reveals a new role: controlling how sensitive we are to nutrients from our gut bacteria. Earlier work has also shown that mitophagy (cleaning up mitochondria) is important for longevity in various organisms, but this research provides a specific mechanism linking bacterial nutrients to this cleanup process. The study builds on growing evidence that gut bacteria influence aging, but provides much more detail about the molecular mechanisms involved.

The most important limitation is that this research was done in worms, not humans. While worms are useful for studying basic biology, human bodies are far more complex, and results don’t always translate. The study was also conducted in controlled laboratory conditions with specific bacterial strains, which is very different from the diverse microbiome in human guts. Additionally, the research hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed by other scientists. The sample size and specific experimental numbers weren’t detailed in the abstract, making it difficult to assess statistical strength. Finally, the study doesn’t address whether these findings apply to people eating normal diets or only to those with specific B12 levels.

The Bottom Line

Based on this preliminary research, there are no specific new recommendations for humans yet. The findings suggest that adequate vitamin B12 intake may be important for healthy aging, but this was already known. People should continue following standard nutritional guidelines that include sufficient B12 (from meat, dairy, fortified foods, or supplements for vegans). Do not make major dietary changes based on this single worm study. Wait for human research before considering any new interventions. Confidence level: Low—this is preliminary research in worms.

This research is most relevant to aging researchers and scientists studying how gut bacteria influence health. People interested in longevity and preventive health may find it interesting as background information. People with B12 deficiency should continue working with their doctors on treatment. This research should NOT influence medical decisions for anyone at this stage. People with mitochondrial diseases should not attempt to self-treat based on these findings.

Even if these findings eventually apply to humans, benefits would likely take months to years to appear, since aging is a slow process. There are no short-term benefits to expect from any changes based on this research.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly vitamin B12 intake (in micrograms) from all sources including food and supplements, along with general energy levels and stress resilience scores. This creates a baseline for future comparison if human studies confirm these findings.
  • Ensure adequate B12 intake by tracking dietary sources or supplement use. Users can set a daily reminder to consume B12-rich foods (meat, fish, dairy, eggs, fortified cereals) or take a supplement if needed. This is a general health recommendation, not specific to this research.
  • Long-term tracking of B12 status (through periodic blood tests with a doctor), overall energy and stress tolerance, and general health markers. This creates a personal health record that could be valuable if future research provides more specific guidance. Users should not expect changes based solely on this preliminary research.

This research was conducted in worms and has not yet been peer-reviewed. The findings are preliminary and should not be used to make health decisions. Do not change your diet, start supplements, or make any medical decisions based on this study alone. If you have concerns about aging, longevity, or vitamin B12 levels, consult with your healthcare provider. This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.