Fiber Supplement

Fiber supplement boosts brain function in older adults in 12 weeks: Study

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A recent study published in Nature Communications has revealed that a daily fiber supplement can enhance brain function in individuals over 60 years old within just 12 weeks. Researchers from the School of Life Course & Population Sciences conducted the study, highlighting how a simple and cost-effective addition to the diet could lead to improved performance in memory tests linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study focused on the impact of prebiotic supplements inulin and FOS on brain function and muscle strength in aging individuals. While the supplements did not show any significant improvement in muscle strength over the 12-week period, participants who consumed the fiber supplement demonstrated enhanced cognitive abilities in various memory and cognition tests.

Lead author Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn from the Department of Twin Research expressed excitement about the positive changes observed in the participants’ brain health and memory within a relatively short timeframe. She underlined the potential of unraveling the gut-brain axis to introduce innovative approaches for healthier aging.

As global populations continue to age, age-related conditions such as cognitive decline and muscle loss are becoming more prevalent. Researchers at TwinsUK, the U.K.’s largest adult twin registry based at King’s College London, aimed to explore how targeting the microbiota with fiber supplements could benefit both muscle health and brain function in older adults.

In the study, 36 twin pairs (72 individuals) aged over 60 received either a placebo or the fiber supplement daily for 12 weeks in a double-blind setup. Alongside supplementation, participants engaged in resistance exercises and consumed protein supplements to enhance muscle function.

Remote monitoring through video calls, online questionnaires, and cognitive tests allowed researchers to observe significant changes in the participants’ gut microbiome composition, with an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium following fiber supplementation.

Although there was no notable difference in muscle strength between the groups, participants who consumed the fiber supplement demonstrated better performance in brain function assessments, including the Paired Associates Learning test, a key indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as reaction time and processing speed tests.

The researchers emphasized the accessibility and safety of plant fibers like inulin and FOS, making them a viable option for a broad demographic during financially challenging times. They plan to investigate the sustainability of these effects over longer durations and in larger population samples to ascertain broader benefits.

Moreover, the study’s remote design showcased the feasibility of conducting trials among older adults without extensive travel or hospital visits, indicating potential for wider global implementation. Future initiatives will address challenges related to digital literacy and technology access to ensure the well-being of aging populations worldwide.

 

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.

 

Ravina
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Ravina Pandya,  Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.