Effect of a Novel Protein Supplement on Appetite in Older Adults

Effect of a Novel Protein Supplement on Appetite in Older Adults

An acute randomized crossover trial comparing the effects of the whey hydrolysate, whey protein concentrate and placebo (still flavored water) on appetite and energy intake in older adults. Both low-dose whey-derived treatment and placebo will be administered 30 minutes prior to breakfast and lunch meals. Moreover, ghrelin secretion and activity will be monitored throughout the morning until the lunch time. Appetite will be assessed through visual analogue scale questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community-dwelling,
• Age 60+ years
• Poor appetite (Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) score </=14, answer a, b or c to Q.1 on SNAQ or answer b, c, or d to CES-D question regarding poor appetite in the past week)
• BMI 20-25kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current medical condition or medication known to impact appetite or energy intake
2. Other medical condition that would impact study participation and outcomes, as judged by the study investigator.
3. Heavy smoker (>10/day)
4. Inability to come to study centre
5. Currently participating in another intervention study
6. Lacking informed consent
7. Allergic to or unwilling to consume any of the study test foods
8. Loss of taste or smell associated with COVID-19
9. Unable to walk across a room