Effect of a Novel Protein Ingredient Combined With Oral Nutritional Supplement on Appetite in Older Adults

Effect of a Novel Protein Ingredient Combined With Oral Nutritional Supplement on Appetite in Older Adults

Reduced appetite can occur with ageing and is linked to a higher risk of undernutrition, poorer physical function and becoming frail. Strategies to increase appetite are needed to improve healthy ageing. This study follows on from previous work which has found a novel ingredient in whey protein (derived from whole milk) that may help to increase appetite and energy intake. This study will compare the effects of the ingredient added to an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) versus the ONS alone versus the ingredient dissolved in water on appetite in older adults. By studying this nutrition supplement in older adults, this will help to provide greater information on possible nutrition strategies to improve healthy ageing.

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:

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