GOS and Microbial Fermentation in Aging

The population is aging worldwide, concomitant frailty is increased in older age groups. Frailty has a strong impact on outcomes of multi-morbidity and daily living, thereby negatively influencing quality of life and health care costs. Prevention or delay of onset of frailty associated with aging is needed. Dietary intake of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) may have beneficial effects on microbiota composition and health outcome parameters. As microbiota composition and function may be altered in elderly compared to younger adults, it will investigated whether the effects of GOS on selected parameters of microbiota and gut health differ between elderly versus younger adults. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effects of four weeks GOS supplementation on intestinal microbiota composition and activity in elderly versus younger adults. Further, this study has four secondary objectives. The study conforms to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design per age-group. Study populations are human volunteers (male and female), healthy young adults of 25-50 years and prefail older adults of 70-85 years old, BMI 20-30 kg/m2. One intervention period subjects will receive 7.2 grams of Vivinal® GOS Powder three times daily for four weeks. The other intervention period subjects will receive isocaloric placebo supplements (5.7 grams maltodextrin) three times daily for four weeks. At the start and end of each intervention period, several measurements will take place. There will be a washout period of four to five weeks between intervention periods. The main study parameter is the change in microbial composition and activity induced by GOS intervention, in younger adults and elderly.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Based on medical history no gastrointestinal complaints can be defined.
2. Age 25 - 50 years and classified as 'robust' by the Fried frailty criteria, or age 70 - 85 years and classified as 'prefrail' by the Fried frailty criteria.
3. Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 20 and \< 30 kg/m2.
4. Weight-stable for at least 90 days prior to participation (no change in bodyweight, i.e. \< 3kg).
5. Hemoglobin value of 8.2-11.0 mmol/L for men, 7.3-9.7 mmol/L for women.
6. C-reactive protein (CRP) value of \<10 mg/L.
7. Creatinin value of 60-115 μmol/L for men, 50-100 μmol/L for women.
8. Alanine transaminase (ALAT) value of \<45 U/L for men, 34 U/L for women.
9. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) value of \<55 U/L for men, \<38 U/L for women.
10. Will be informed in case of any unexpected finding.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of severe cardiovascular, respiratory, urogenital, gastrointestinal/ hepatic, hematological/immunologic, HEENT (head, ears, eyes, nose, throat), dermatological/connective tissue, musculoskeletal, metabolic/nutritional, endocrine, neurological diseases, major surgery and/or laboratory assessments which might limit participation in or completion of the study protocol.
2. Self-admitted human immunodeficiency virus-positive state.
3. Disease with a life expectancy shorter than 5 years.
4. Abdominal surgery interfering with gastrointestinal function, upon judgment of the medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the surgery applied.
5. Use of antibiotics products within 90 days prior to the study.
6. Use of other medication will be reviewed by a medical doctor, who will decide on in- or exclusion based on the drug(s) used.
7. Use of laxatives within 14 days prior to the study.
8. Institutionalized (e.g. hospital or nursing home).
9. Pregnancy or lactation.
10. Plan to lose weight or follow a specific diet within the study period.
11. Alcohol intake \>14 units/week.
12. Drug use.
13. Blood donation within 30 days prior to the study.
14. Administration of probiotic or prebiotic supplements, investigational drugs or participation in any scientific intervention study, which may interfere with this study (to be decided by the principle investigator), in the 14 days prior to the study.
15. History of side effects towards intake of prebiotic supplements.
16. Self-admitted lactose intolerance