Effect of a Food Intervention With a Prebiotic Alone or Combined With B-vitamins on Gut Microbiota Diversity, Inflammation and Mental Health Outcomes in Older Adults (GutFood)

'GutFood' - Effect of a Food Intervention With a Prebiotic Alone or Combined With B-vitamins on Gut Microbiota Diversity, Inflammation and Mental Health Outcomes in Older Adults

Ageing is associated with changes in gut microbiota composition, increased inflammation, and a greater risk of poor mental health outcomes. Nutritional inadequacies, including low dietary fibre intake and suboptimal B-vitamin status, are common in older adults and may contribute to these age-related health issues. Research suggests that increasing dietary fibre intake, particularly through prebiotics such as inulin, may help to improve gut health. In addition, B-vitamins have been linked to both gut and mental health, although their combined effects with prebiotics are not well understood.

With the assistance of a food company, the investigators have developed a functional drink enriched with chicory inulin, alone or in combination with B-vitamins. Therefore, the investigators plan to conduct a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test the effect of this functional drink on gut health outcomes, nutritional status, inflammation, and mental health in adults aged 50 years and older.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community-dwelling
• Non or low consumers (≤ 4 portions/week) of foods/beverages fortified with B-vitamins
• Individuals with the capacity to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• B12 injection users
• Using supplements containing the nutrients of interest (B-vitamins, inulin, probiotics)
• Taking medications that interfere with B-vitamin metabolism
• Currently taking antibiotics
• GI disease (Crohn's, coeliac)
• Serious chronic disease (e.g. cancer, liver disease)