Improved Body Composition, Gait Speed, and Personal Care in Older Adults in Aged Care: The Pomerium Study Trial, a 3-Month Multi-Nutrient Supplementation Randomised Controlled Trial — ASN Events
  1. Schedule
  2. Concurrent Session: Symposium - From Weight Loss to Bone Loss? Understanding Bone Health in the Obesity Drug Era
  3. Improved Body Composition, Gait Speed, and Personal Care in Older Adults in Aged Care: The Pomerium Study Trial, a 3-Month Multi-Nutrient Supplementation Randomised Controlled Trial

Improved Body Composition, Gait Speed, and Personal Care in Older Adults in Aged Care: The Pomerium Study Trial, a 3-Month Multi-Nutrient Supplementation Randomised Controlled Trial (#39)

Ahmed Al Saedi 1 2 , Linda Rezmann 1 , Sandra Luliano 1 , Sara Vogrin 1 , Gustavo Duque 3 4 , Alan Hayes 1 2 5
  1. Department of Medicine – Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, VIC, Australia
  2. Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, VIC, Australia
  3. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  4. Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  5. Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne , Victoria, Australia

Introduction:

Immunosenescence contributes to increased morbidity and mortality from viral infections and reduced vaccine responsiveness in older adults, particularly those in residential aged care. Inadequate nutritional intake may exacerbate declines in immune, respiratory, and musculoskeletal function. This study aimed to determine whether multi-nutrient supplementation could improve nutritional status, physical function, and related health outcomes in older adults.

 Methods and Analysis:

The Pomerium Study is a 3-month, single-blind, randomised controlled trial conducted in aged care facilities in Melbourne, Australia. Fifty adults aged ≥75 years were randomised to receive either two daily servings of a multi-nutrient supplement (providing 330 kcal, 20 g protein, CaHMB, calcium, vitamin D₃, and 25 vitamins and minerals) or usual care. The primary outcome (T-cell subsets) is pending. Secondary outcomes assessed at baseline and 3 months included nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA), body composition, muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life.

 Results:

Participants had a median age of 82 years, with a predominance of females and Caucasian ethnicity. At 3 months, there was no significant difference in MNA scores or nutritional categories between groups, although a trend toward improved scores was observed in the intervention group (p=0.092). Compared with control, the intervention group showed significant increases in weight (mean difference 1.52 kg, p=0.001), BMI (0.60 kg/m², p=0.001), and total body mass (1.06 kg, p=0.007). No significant differences were observed in body fat percentage or lean mass, although lean mass showed a non-significant increase. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly higher in the intervention group (p=0.001). Functional outcomes improved, with significant gains in gait speed (p=0.025) and personal care (p=0.012).

 Conclusion:

Three months of multi-nutrient supplementation in older adults residing in aged care improved body composition, vitamin D status, and functional outcomes, including gait speed and personal care, despite no significant changes in overall nutritional status. These findings support the role of targeted nutritional interventions in enhancing physical function and health in vulnerable ageing populations. Further analyses are required to determine effects on immune function and clinical outcomes.