As people age, loss of strength and mobility can lead to more severe health issues. A recent study in Sri Lanka showed that a combination of protein and multivitamins improved both strength and mobility in malnourished seniors, supporting the idea that proper nutrition can play a key role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
The research, published in BMC Geriatrics, was conducted by a team from universities in Sri Lanka and Australia. They studied the effects of a specific supplement on elderly individuals living in care homes in Sri Lanka, a country where malnutrition can worsen the common challenges of aging, such as frailty, sarcopenia, and slow walking speed.
The Role of Protein and Multivitamins
Recent studies have cast doubt on the longevity benefits of multivitamins, with a study published in JAMA claiming that they do not necessarily extend life expectancy. However, many in the industry argue that multivitamins can still contribute to healthier living by helping people remain more active and independent, even if they don’t directly affect lifespan.
The study in question focused on seniors aged 60 and older who were mildly malnourished. The researchers tested a supplement called Entrasol, a powdered drink that provides essential vitamins and minerals at mid-level doses (40% to 60% of the daily recommended value), along with 12 grams of whey protein and dietary fiber from prebiotic inulin.
The supplement was developed by Kalbe Pvt. Ltd., a multinational pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturer operating in the ASEAN region, which also funded the study. However, the research team ensured that the company had no influence over the study design or outcomes.
Study Design and Findings
In the randomized, controlled study, 52 participants living in care homes were divided into two groups. One group received the Entrasol supplement (57 grams dissolved in water daily) for 12 weeks, while the control group received only water. Both groups maintained their regular diets and activity levels during the trial.
The researchers measured hand grip strength (HGS), knee extension strength (KES), and walking speed at the start, four weeks in, and at the end of the 12-week period. The results showed significant improvements in the group receiving the supplement. Participants who took the supplement exhibited better hand grip strength, knee extension, and walking speed compared to those in the control group. Additionally, those in the intervention group were notably more active by the study’s conclusion.
The researchers concluded, “A 12-week supplementation with oral nutritional supplements leads to significant improvements in KES, HGS, and gait speed among malnourished older adults when compared to controls. Therefore, supplementation was found to be effective in improving physical activity and functional status.”
Study Limitations and Future Research
While the study showed promising results, it was not without limitations. The lack of a placebo group and the absence of blinding in the trial were noted as potential weaknesses. Additionally, the researchers did not explore the exact mechanisms behind the observed improvements.
As the authors pointed out, “Although we demonstrated significant improvements in physical function and increased physical activity levels, we did not directly investigate the underlying mechanisms. Future research should focus on these mechanisms, especially in the context of aging and malnutrition, to better understand the factors influencing dietary behavior and nutritional outcomes.”
In conclusion, this study suggests that combining protein and multivitamins can provide significant health benefits for malnourished older adults, enhancing both their strength and mobility. Further research is needed to explore how these supplements work at a deeper level, but the findings highlight the importance of nutrition in aging healthily.
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