Prebiotic Administration and Impact on Muscle Physiology and Cognitive Behaviour

Take Home

Daily prebiotic supplementation of inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) for 3 months can help to increased abundance of intestinal bifidobacteria and improve cognition in older adults.

Background

The PROMOTe study explores the potential of gut microbiome modulation to enhance muscle function and cognitive performance in older adults. Given the increasing prevalence of age-related conditions, including cognitive decline and muscle loss, this research investigates whether dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiota can provide meaningful health benefits, thus addressing a crucial need in geriatric health management.

Trial Design

The PROMOTe study examined the impact of gut microbiome modulation on muscle function and cognition in older adults. The study involved 72 individuals (36 twin pairs) aged 60 or above, who were randomized to receive either a prebiotic consisting of inulin and FOS or placebo daily for 12 weeks. All participants engaged in resistance exercise and took branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplements.

Several key outcomes were measured to assess the effects of prebiotic supplementation on older adults. These included:

1. Muscle Function: Measured by the 5× chair rise time to evaluate muscle strength.
2. Cognition: Assessed using a comprehensive cognitive test battery, with particular attention to improvements in specific cognitive tasks.
3. Gut Microbiome Composition: Analyzed to detect changes due to prebiotic supplementation.
4. Physical Performance Metrics: Including grip strength and short physical performance battery scores.
5. Appetite: Evaluated using the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ).
6. Dietary Intake: Monitored through online food diaries to capture any changes in dietary habits during the trial.

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