By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Lauren Hardaker Mar 2 2026 A large UK twin study reveals that neighborhood deprivation is linked to measurable shifts in gut bacteria and metabolic pathways, offering new clues about how social inequality may become biologically embedded. Study: Gut microbiome composition and function reflect socioeconomic deprivation . Image credit: sulit.photos/Shutterstock.com Socioeconomic status ( SES ) is an important marker of health. A recent paper in the journal NPJ