Aging, Well Aging
Conditions
Keywords
Microalgae, omega-3 fatty acids, Micronutrients, carotinoids, Inflammation
Brief summary
Investigation of the microalgae Phaeodactylum as food with regard to the uptake of omega-3 fatty acids and effects on various blood parameters in relation to age. Bioavailability and excretion of nutrients and their effects on fatty acid status and inflammatory markers.
Detailed description
Due to a multifaceted redesign of all areas of life, older people face many nutritional challenges, such as cognitive change, sarcopenia and micronutrient deficiency. In addition to age-associated diseases, cognitive decline is usually a precursor to neurodegenerative processes, such as Alzheimer's disease. The full molecular mechanisms are still unknown, but classic aging mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation, play a role. Due to the changed life situation, there is a reduced need for energy, while the need for nutrients remains, which greatly increases the risk of malnutrition in old age. This results in an increasing prevalence of sarcopenia. The decrease in muscle mass and strength leads to functional limitations in the elderly and also promotes oxidative stress. This increases the need for antioxidant nutrients such as carotenoids and vitamins. Studies show that age-related chronic subclinical inflammation, such as occurs in the context of an omega-6 fatty acid (-FS) emphasized diet, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases Due to this, the microalgae PT could be a goud supplier of nutrients like omega-3 FS, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is otherwise found mainly in fatty fish, and Fucoxanthin, an antioxidant. The investigator study the change of omega-3, -6 and -9 FS in blood plasma, in erythrocytes, as well as the change of fucoxanthin and beta-carotene. The investigator measure blood parameters for safety and control the influence on the intestinal barrier.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo vegetable bouillon
14 days wahs-out: no fish eating 14 days: no fish eating, the participants eat vegetable bouillon (1,3g)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTmicroalgae phaeodactylum
14 days wahs-out: no fish eating 14 days: no fish eating, the participants eat vegetable bouillon (1.3g), 2.3g Microalgae Phaeodactylum
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTFrom the Microalgae phaeodactylum the extracted beta-Glucan (especially chrysolaminarin)
14 days wahs-out: no fish eating 14 days: no fish eating, the participants eat vegetable bouillon (1.3g), Beta-Glucan (1.8g)
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTA combination of the vegetable bouillon, the microalgae and the beta-Glucan
14 days wahs-out: no fish eating 14 days: no fish eating, the participants eat vegetable bouillon (1.3g), 2.3g Microalgae, Beta-Glucan (1.8g)
Sponsors
University of Hohenheim
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
4 arm parallel groups
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Age ≥60 ≤90 years, weight ≥50 kg, generally healthy * Signed informed consent form * Willingness to follow the prescribed diet for the duration of the study * No participation in any other clinical trial (current or within the last 30 days)
Exclusion criteria
* Taking intestinal therapeutics, antibiotics, immunosuppressants or similar. (if necessary, decision on a case-by-case basis) * Pregnancy/breastfeeding * Relevant violations of the dietary protocol * Occurrence of relevant diseases (if necessary, individual case decision) * Withdrawal of consent * Placement in a clinic or similar facility due to official or court order
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in omega-6/omega-3 ratio (plasma level basis) | 14 days | fatty acid chromatographic measurement |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 fatty acid index | 14 days | fatty acid chromatographic measurement in red blood cells |
| Uptake of fucoxanthin and beta-carotene | 14 days | chromatographic measurement in plasma |
| Inflammation (CRP) | 14 days | measurement in blood serum |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Markers for oxidative stress | 14 days | lipid hydroperoxides) |
| Albumin | 14 days | Measurement in serum |
| weight | 14 days | in kilograms |
| FFQ- Food frequence questionnaire | 4 weeks | Food questionnaire about the general eating of the last 4 weeks |
Countries
Germany
Contacts
Primary ContactStephan C Bischoff, Prof. Dr
Backup ContactLena Stiefvatter, M.SC
Outcome results
None listed