The Effect of Pectin Supplementation on Geriatric With Frailty: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Dietary Intervention Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM · Apr 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a dietary supplement called low-methoxy pectin, which comes from citrus peels, on older adults who show early signs of frailty. The goal is to see if this supplement can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve gut health. Participants in the study will be older adults aged 65 and above, who are considered pre-frail or frail based on a simple questionnaire. They should also have a healthy body weight.

Participants will take part in the study for four weeks, during which they will consume a daily supplement mixed with milk. They will come to the laboratory twice – once before starting the supplement and once after four weeks – to provide stool and blood samples and undergo some simple health tests and questionnaires to assess their physical and mental well-being. It’s important to note that individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions, specific medication use, or recent surgeries will not be eligible to participate. This study aims to explore how a common dietary fiber can support health in older adults, and it may help improve quality of life for those who are frail.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• • Participant eligibility includes those aged \>65 years who have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 39.9 kg/m2.
• • Participants who are considered as pre-frail or frail based on FRAIL (Simple Frailty Questionnaire).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have gastrointestinal conditions e.g. malabsorptive conditions such as IBS/IBD, coeliac or functional conditions such as gastroparesis or food intolerances etc.
• • History of major surgery which potentially limit participation or completion of the study.
• • History of gastrointestinal resection surgery, including bariatric surgery.
• • Used of antibiotics, antifungal medications, probiotics or prebiotics 90 days before the start of the study.
• • Are taking the following medications: immunosuppressants, amiodarone and/or perhexiline.
• • Are currently following or anticipated to commence a specialised commercially available weight loss diet and/or program.
• • History of side effects towards probiotics or prebiotics.
• • History or current psychiatric illness.
• • History or current neurological condition (e.g. epilepsy).
• • Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance.