A 16-week randomized controlled trial of a fish oil and whey protein-derived supplement to improve physical performance in older adults losing autonomy-A pilot study.
<h4>Background</h4>Low functional capacity may lead to the loss of independence and institutionalization of older adults. A nutritional intervention within a rehabilitation program may attenuate loss of muscle function in this understudied population.<h4>Objective</h4>This pi...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
2021-01-01
|
| Series: | PLoS ONE |
| Online Access: | https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0256386&type=printable |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | <h4>Background</h4>Low functional capacity may lead to the loss of independence and institutionalization of older adults. A nutritional intervention within a rehabilitation program may attenuate loss of muscle function in this understudied population.<h4>Objective</h4>This pilot study assessed the feasibility for a larger RCT of a nutritional supplementation in older adults referred to an outpatient assessment and rehabilitation program.<h4>Methods</h4>Participants were randomized to receive a supplement (EXP: 2g fish oil with 1500 IU vitamin D3 1x/d + 20-30g whey protein powder with 3g leucine 2x/d) or isocaloric placebo (CTR: corn oil + maltodextrin powder) for 16 weeks. Handgrip and knee extension strength (using dynamometry), physical performance tests and plasma phospholipid n-3 fatty acids (using GCMS) were evaluated at weeks 0, 8 and 16; and lean soft tissue mass (using DXA), at weeks 0 and 16.<h4>Results</h4>Over 2 years, 244 patients were screened, 46 were eligible (18.9%), 20 were randomized, 10 completed the study (6 CTR, 4 EXP). Median age was 87 y (77-94 y; 75% women) and gait speed was 0.69 m/s; 55% had low strength, and all performed under 420m on the 6-minute walk test, at baseline. Overall self-reported compliance to powder and oil was high (96% and 85%) but declined at 16 weeks for fish oil (55%). The EXP median protein intake surpassed the target 1.2-1.5 g/kg/d, without altering usual diet. Proportions of plasma phospholipid EPA and DHA increased significantly 3- and 1.5-fold respectively, at week 8 in EXP, with no change in CTR. Participants were able to complete most assessments with sustained guidance.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Because of low eligibility, the pilot study was interrupted and deemed non-feasible; adherence to rigorous study assessments and to supplements was adequate except for long-term fish oil. The non-amended protocol may be applied to populations with greater functional capacity.<h4>Trial registration</h4>ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04454359. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1932-6203 |