Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

APPETITE: Plant Protein and Exercise Solutions for the Prevention of Undernutrition in Older Adults.

The APPETITE study is testing new plant-based protein foods and exercise programs. It aims to see if these can help older adults who are eating too little, which can lead to undernutrition. Many older people slowly lose their appetite without realising it, and this study hopes to find ways to make sure they get enough protein and fibre, which are vital for health. Researchers in Ireland, Germany, and Italy will involve 180 older adults. They will be split into groups to try: personalised diets with plant protein and fibre, exercise, both, or neither. The goal is to discover the best ways to keep older people healthy and well-nourished, especially if their appetite has changed.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College Dublin

Enrolment target

180

Start

22 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Appetite Loss Physical Inactivity Undernutrition Anorexia of Aging Aging Ageing Well

What is this study about?

As we get older, it's quite common for our eating habits to change. We might not feel as hungry, or we might not be as active as we once were. Sometimes, this can mean we don't get enough important nutrients like protein and fibre, which are crucial for keeping us strong and healthy. When someone isn't eating enough over time, it can lead to what's called undernutrition – meaning their body isn't getting all the fuel and building blocks it needs.

The APPETITE study wants to tackle this problem head-on. Researchers are exploring whether new plant-based protein and fibre foods, combined with or without an exercise plan, can help older adults eat better and avoid undernutrition. They're particularly interested in whether these approaches can boost appetite or simply help people get the right nutrients even if their appetite isn't huge.

The study involves people from Ireland, Germany, and Italy. Everyone taking part will be randomly assigned to different groups. Some will try a special diet focusing on plant protein and fibre, others will do an exercise program, some will do both, and a control group will just continue with their usual habits. This will help the researchers understand which methods, or combination of methods, are most effective in helping older adults maintain good health and nutrition. The findings could really help improve care for older people in the future.

Key takeaways

The APPETITE study explores how plant protein foods and exercise can help older adults.
It aims to prevent undernutrition and improve overall health in people aged 65 and over.
Participants will be in one of four groups: diet, exercise, both, or usual care.
The study lasts 12 weeks, with two visits to the study centre.
It's a chance to receive personalised health guidance and contribute to important research.
Participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are healthy older adults, aged 65 or older. To take part, you should be generally fit enough to live independently at home in your community. Your weight needs to be within a certain range (not underweight or very overweight). It's also important that you don't do much exercise currently, meaning less than 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity per week, and no regular strength training. You should also have had your COVID-19 vaccinations.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory problems, uncontrolled depression, or a medical condition or medication that affects your appetite significantly, this study might not be suitable. You also can't be a heavy smoker (more than 10 cigarettes a day), or planning to move soon. If you're already in another research study, or if you're unable to come to the study centre or safely do physical activities, you won't be able to participate. You also need to be able to eat all the special foods used in the study and be open to being placed in any of the study groups.

The researchers want to make sure everyone involved can safely and fully take part in the study activities, which include physical movement and eating specific foods.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 65 years old or older?
Do you live independently in your own home?
Do you currently do less than 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week?
Have you had your COVID-19 vaccinations?
Are you comfortable eating plant-based foods and coming to a study centre?
Are you generally healthy, without significant memory issues or ongoing serious illness?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for about 12 weeks. During this time, you'll have two main visits to the study centre – one at the very beginning and one at the end of the 12 weeks. These visits will be identical, where researchers will check things like your nutrition, physical fitness, and possibly ask questions about your appetite and wellbeing. You won't be given any medication as part of this study.

Depending on which group you're randomly placed in, you might follow a personalised diet focusing on plant protein and fibre, take part in a physical activity program, do both, or continue with your usual diet and activity (this is the 'control' group). The specific details of the diet or exercise program will be explained to you if you join those groups. The whole study is designed to help researchers understand the effects over this 12-week period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this could offer potential benefits, such as receiving personalised advice on diet and exercise which might improve your nutrition and overall health. You'll be contributing to important research that could help many other older adults in the future. As with any activity, there are some minor risks, especially with physical activity. However, the exercise program will be designed with your safety in mind. There are generally no known major risks associated with the dietary changes. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

FAU
Verified postcode
Nuremberg, Germany
School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science
Verified postcode
Dublin, Ireland
UNIPD
Verified postcode
Padova, Italy

Common questions

What is 'undernutrition'?

Undernutrition means your body isn't getting enough important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein, which can affect your health and energy.

What are 'plant protein fibre products'?

These are special food items that are rich in protein and fibre, both coming from plants, designed to be easy to include in your diet.

Will I have to pay for the special foods or exercise program?

No, all aspects of the study, including any special foods or exercise programs, are provided to you at no cost during your participation.

Can I choose which group I want to be in?

No, participants are randomly assigned to a group to ensure the study results are fair and unbiased. This is like flipping a coin for each participant.

What if I get sick during the study?

You should always tell the study team about any health changes. Depending on the situation, they will advise whether you can continue participating safely.