Managing the Nutritional Needs of Older Filipino With Due Attention to Protein Nutrition and Functional Health Study (MANO PO)

Managing the Nutritional Needs of Older Filipino With Due Attention to Protein Nutrition and Functional Health Study

Managing the Nutritional Needs of Older Filipino With Due Attention to Protein Nutrition and Functional Health (Mano Po) Study

The study aims to determine the effect of protein nutrition and exercise on the body composition and functional capacity of Filipino older adults.

The objective of the study is to determine the effects of nutrition supplementation and exercise intervention on the main indicators of sarcopenia in older adults such as body composition (fat mass and lean mass), muscle strength (leg and handgrip), and physical performance.

The trial participants and researchers will be blinded during the conduct of the 12-week intervention. An independent third party will handle randomization and allocation of participants to either intervention group (DOST-FNRI protein drink + physical activity) or placebo group (placebo product + physical activity), while trying to ensure a balanced sex distribution between the groups. The intervention group will receive a protein-containing product which shall meet the target of 30g of protein per day of supplementation. Meanwhile, the placebo group will receive an isocaloric product (similar caloric value but with minimal to no protein content). Both products will have similar packaging, appearance, taste, and flavoring. A unique serial number only known by the independent third party will be used to differentiate between the two products. Unblinding of trial participants will be done after data analysis of a locked dataset.

A protein product (combination of whey protein and plant-derived protein) in powdered form with flavoring. Product will be added to 180-200 mL of warm water prior to consumption.

An isocaloric product (made with maltodextrin) in powdered form with flavoring. Product will be added to 180-200 mL of warm water prior to consumption.

Blinded researchers will provide the randomly assigned supplement product to the trial participants for a period of 90 days. Used packaging will be collected at the end of every week from each trial participant to monitor compliance.

Trained researchers will facilitate resistance-based exercises two to three times a week in an enclosed venue (gym). Trial participants will be assessed at baseline for one repetition maximum (1RM) which will serve as a basis for load progression. A target of 3 sets and 6-15 repetitions with at least 30 seconds rest in between sets will be performed by the trial participants under supervision of a trained researcher.

Measurement of appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) by dividing total muscle mass (kg) of appendages with height in meters squared

Handgrip strength is measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer through maximum exertion of grip force (in kilograms). Leg strength is measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Participant will use strongest leg force to push against the resistance brought upon by the researcher while holding the measuring device.

Inclusion Criteria: Pre-sarcopenia/pre-frail Aged 60 years old and above, male or female Free-living in the community, ambulatory Able to respond to food recall/interview as self-declared Normal cardiac function as measured by resting ECG Exclusion Criteria: Bed ridden, unable to perform exercise independently Presence of serious medical condition (i.e. cancer, existing fracture) Presence of unmanaged hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes or upon assessment of physician Renal Problem Under controlled or medically-supervised diet not flexible to include the intervention agent Allergic to any ingredients in the nutrition supplementation