People living in UK’s poorest areas have less diverse gut bacteria, study finds

Research shows social deprivation reduces range of microbiome leading to worse physical and mental health

People living in the poorest areas of the UK have a less diverse range of bacteria in their gut, leading to worse health outcomes than their more affluent counterparts, according to a study.

The research, led by academics at King’s College London and the University of Nottingham, analysed the gut bacteria of 1,390 female twins across the UK alongside their residential postcodes in order to identify the area’s socioeconomic status.