The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging (Jul 2024)

Precision nutrition impact on metabolic health and quality of life in aging population after a 3-month intervention: A randomized intervention

  • Cristina Galarregui,
  • Santiago Navas-Carretero,
  • M. Angeles Zulet,
  • Carlos J. González-Navarro,
  • J. Alfredo Martínez,
  • Begoña de Cuevillas,
  • Helena Marcos-Pasero,
  • Elena Aguilar-Aguilar,
  • Guillermo Reglero,
  • Ana Ramirez de Molina,
  • Paloma Chausa,
  • Jose M. Iniesta,
  • M. Elena Hernando,
  • Enrique J. Gómez,
  • Alejandro Garcia-Rudolph,
  • Alberto García-Molina,
  • Viviana Loria-Kohen,
  • Itziar Abete

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 7
p. 100289

Abstract

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Objectives: Innovative precision dietary procedures are required to promote healthy aging. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a personalised strategy based on the inclusion of individualised foods and digital tools on overall health status and quality of life within a follow-up of 3 months in older adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: 127 men and women aged between 50 and 80 years with overweight/obesity participated in the study—between January 2020 and September 2020 at the Center for Nutrition Research-University of Navarra and IMDEA-ALIMENTACIÓN—and were randomly assigned to a usual-care group (standard recommendations) or precision group (precision nutrition strategy based on the inclusion of individualised foods and a mobile application). Anthropometry, body fat percentage, biochemical parameters, diet, and quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Both strategies were found to improve overall metabolic health; however, the precision approach demonstrated significantly better outcomes. The precision strategy reduced body weight at 3 months (−4.3 kg; p < 0.001) with significant improvements in body fat percentage, blood pressure and general metabolic health (glycated haemoglobin; alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; hepatic steatosis index) in comparison with the standard recommendations. The precision approach significantly enhanced the quality of life (SF-36) of individuals, with additional improvements in emotional well-being (p = 0.024) and vitality (p = 0.008). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with a higher quality of life and vitality. Conclusion: These results support the benefit of precision nutrition approaches for promoting healthy aging and emotional well-being, enhancing the quality of life in aging populations, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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