Galactooligosaccharide and Aging

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BATH · May 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a dietary supplement called galactooligosaccharide (GOS) can help improve physical function in older adults experiencing muscle loss, a condition known as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is common in people aged 65 and older and can lead to serious health issues, such as falls and reduced mobility. The researchers believe that GOS may reduce inflammation in the body, which in turn could help strengthen muscles and improve physical performance.

To participate in this trial, you must be between the ages of 65 and 85 and able to stand up from a chair without using your arms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive GOS or a placebo (a non-active substance) for 16 weeks. Throughout the study, participants will complete some physical tests and provide samples for analysis. This study is currently recruiting, and it's important to note that certain recent dietary changes or health conditions may disqualify potential participants. If you’re interested, please consider discussing it with your healthcare provider for more information.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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)