Can a Prebiotic Formulation Reduce Frailty Levels in Older People?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether a prebiotic formulation reduces frailty index (FI) levels in older people. Design: We conducted secondary analysis of a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind design study. Setting/Participants: The study included non-demented people over the age of 65 who were living in nursing homes and were able to walk. Fifty participants completed the study (75.3±7.3 years, 70% females). Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to either a group who received daily Darmocare Pre® (inulin and fructooligosaccharides) for 13 weeks or a placebo group (maltodextrin). Measurement: The primary outcome in this secondary analysis was change in level of a 62-item FI compared to baseline. Results: At the 13-week follow-up, the placebo group had higher FI levels (preFI 0.23±0.11, postFI 0.24±0.12, p=0.012) and the intervention group had lower FI levels (preFI 0.22±0.09, postFI 0.20±0.08, p0.3, N=5) had the greatest reduction in their FI (0.04±0.01). Conclusion: A prebiotic intervention can reduce frailty levels in nursing home residents especially in those with higher levels of frailty.