L-serine and Strength Training in the Elderly

L-serine and Strength Training in the Elderly

This study investigates whether taking the amino acid L-serine, either alone or in combination with targeted strength training, can have a positive effect on mental performance, brain function, and physical fitness in older people.

Healthy, independent women and men aged 65 to 85 are eligible to participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, L-serine, or L-serine combined with strength training.

Cognitive tests, physical performance tests, and blood and brain tests will be conducted over a period of 48 weeks. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how nutrition and exercise can contribute to healthy aging.

The study is a randomized, controlled, double-blind intervention study with three parallel groups of healthy older adults (aged 65-85). It investigates the effects of L-serine supplementation with and without accompanying strength training on cognitive, neural, molecular, and functional parameters over 48 weeks.

The primary endpoint is the change in cognitive performance, measured using the composite RBANS score. Secondary endpoints include structural and functional brain parameters (MRI, EEG), psychosocial parameters, markers of oxidative stress and immune function, as well as physical performance and muscle mass.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women between the ages of 65 and 85
• Mini-Mental-State >23
• Independently mobile, without aids (walker, cane, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic diseases that contraindicate medical training therapy
• Regular strength training (>1x/week) in the last 6 months before confinement
• Frailty Index ≥ 3
• Lack of written consent to test physical performance
• Regular use of Cortison-containing medications or Antibiotika
• MR-specific exclusion criteria: claustrophobia, metal equipment or other magnetic Material in or on the body
• Non-compliance with the study protocol: <70% of the planned L-serine administration, <70% of the strength training