Supporting immune and mitochondrial health in older adults with targeted nutrition
Maintaining Immune and Mitochondrial Functions in Old Adults With SAfe Nutrition: the MIMOSA Study.
This trial will test whether a personalized supplement containing branched-chain amino acids, micronutrients, and omega-3s helps older adults with malnutrition and sarcopenia improve muscle, immune, and mitochondrial function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lausanne, Switzerland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05324475 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants aged 75 and older entering a rehabilitation program with malnutrition (MNA-SF <11) will receive standard nutritional care plus a daily oral supplement for 6 weeks. For blinding, all participants take one sachet and two capsules daily; the active group receives BCAA, a micronutrient blend, and omega‑3 capsules, while the placebo group receives maltodextrin and coconut oil. Muscle mass (BIA), handgrip strength, and SPPB performance will be measured, and biological samples will be collected to examine mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and immune markers. The intervention is intended to restore protein and micronutrient deficits and test whether that improves clinical and biological outcomes linked to inflammaging and sarcopenia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 75 or older entering rehabilitation with malnutrition (MNA-SF <11) who can consent and take oral supplements and attend follow-up at the study site.
Not a fit: Patients with active malignancy, life expectancy under two months, severe heart failure (NYHA IV), advanced renal failure (CrCl <40 ml/min), decompensated cirrhosis, enteral/parenteral feeding, severe dysphagia, or severe cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the supplement could improve muscle mass and strength, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and help restore immune and mitochondrial function in malnourished older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of protein/BCAA, omega‑3, and micronutrient supplementation in older adults have shown mixed but sometimes promising effects on muscle mass and function, while combinations targeting mitochondrial function remain less well tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥75 years * Patients entering a rehabilitation program * Diagnosis of malnutrition defined by a MNA-SF (mini-nutritional assessment short form) score below 11 points. * Commitment to accept the nutritional supplement proposed, willing and able to give written informed consent * Ability to understand and comply with the requirements of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of malignancy, * Life expectancy of less than two months calculated by Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI ), * Congestive heart failure (NYHA IV), * Chronic renal disease (creatinine clearance \<40 ml/min calculated by cockroft), * Liver cirrhosis (Child B-C), * Tube/percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding or parenteral nutrition, * Severe dysphagia, * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)≤18 and MNA\>11 points. MMSE ≥ 18 identifies patients with mild form of cognitive impairment; those patients generally do not have problems in swallowing and are able to take drugs. * Severe anaemia (Hb\<10 g/l) or leukopenia (\<2G/l).
Where this trial is running
Lausanne, Switzerland
- Chuv — Lausanne, Switzerland, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Patrizia D'amelio — Service de gériatrie et réadaptation gériatrique-CHUV
- Study coordinator: Patrizia D'amelio
- Email: patrizia.damelio@chuv.ch
- Phone: +41213143712
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.