Modulation of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolism in Elderly by Algae Products.

Modulation of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolism in Elderly by Algae Products.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether a fermented black soybean and adlay supplement can improve frailty. The main questions it seeks to answer are:

• Does the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement improve physical performance?
• What is the effect of the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement on gut microbiota? Researchers will compare the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement to a placebo (a non-fermented black soybean and adlay supplement) to assess its impact on physical performance.

Participants will:

• Take either the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.
• Visit the clinic for checkups and tests before and after consuming the product.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of fermented black soybean and adlay supplements on frailty and gut microbiota in older adults. Older participants are recruited from National Taiwan University Hospital. Parcitipants will be stratified randomization into placebo and experimental groups based on their robustness status. Older participants will take either the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Baseline characteristics of the participants, including demographic data, chronic disease history, and anthropometric data, will be collected. Cognitive function will be evaluated using the Mini-Mental Status Examination. A 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale will be used to identify depressive symptoms. Nutritional status will be assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Blood and fecal samples, as well as data on physical performance and frailty status, will be collected before and after consuming the product.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 years or older
• Independent in activities of daily living

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being bedridden or residing in a nursing home
• Having a life expectancy of less than 6 months
• Having severe hearing or communication disorders
• Having hyperuricemia, gouty arthritis, or swallowing dysfunction