Effects of a prebiotic on muscle loss in older adults
Does Galactooligosaccharide Supplementation Improve Markers of Skeletal Muscle Health in Elderly Individuals?
This study is testing whether a prebiotic can help older adults aged 65-85 keep their muscles strong and healthy as they age.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bath Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bath, Bath and NE Somerset) |
| Trial ID | NCT06411964 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of galactooligosaccharide, a prebiotic, on sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss in older adults. Participants aged 65-85 will be given either the prebiotic or a placebo to assess its effects on muscle strength, quantity, and physical performance. The study aims to explore how reducing intestinal inflammation through prebiotic supplementation may help mitigate the progression of sarcopenia. By understanding the relationship between gut health and muscle function, the research seeks to provide new strategies for improving health outcomes in the aging population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65-85 who can rise from a chair without using their arms.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently used prebiotics, probiotics, or specific restrictive diets may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective dietary interventions that help preserve muscle mass and function in older adults, reducing the risk of falls and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with prebiotic supplementation in improving gut health, but this specific approach to sarcopenia is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65-85 years * Able to rise from a chair without using arms Exclusion Criteria: * Use of products marketed as prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics within 4 weeks prior to study entry (e.g., Yakult, Actimel, Activia, VSL#3, Kefir). Regular cheese or yogurt containing lactic acid bacteria are not an exclusion criterion * Systemic antibiotic or antimycotic treatment 6 weeks prior to study entry. * Following diets likely to affect study outcomes: e.g., low FODMAP, KETO/high-fat, gluten free/coeliac, paleo, weight loss, caloric restriction, low-carb, 5:2/whole day energy restriction, Atkins/high-protein, sugar-free, single-food, juicing/any day of juicing, any other restriction diet (e.g. very low calorie), or vegan diets (GOS is derived from cow's milk) * Meeting physical activity guidelines for older adults: * Activities that improve strength, flexibility and balance at least two days per week * At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity * Body mass loss of ≥ 5% in preceding 6 months * History of injury or surgery that would affect physical ability to undertake physical tests * History of gastrointestinal disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome)
Where this trial is running
Bath, Bath and NE Somerset
- University of Bath — Bath, Bath and NE Somerset, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Adam J Collins
- Email: ac3413@bath.ac.uk
- Phone: 07710611694
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.