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Effect of a Food Intervention With a Prebiotic Alone or Combined With B-vitamins on Gut Microbiota Diversity, Inflammation and Mental Health Outcomes in Older Adults (GutFood)
Sponsor: University of Ulster
Summary
Ageing is associated with changes in gut microbiota composition, increased inflammation, and a greater risk of poor mental health outcomes. Nutritional inadequacies, including low dietary fibre intake and suboptimal B-vitamin status, are common in older adults and may contribute to these age-related health issues. Research suggests that increasing dietary fibre intake, particularly through prebiotics such as inulin, may help to improve gut health. In addition, B-vitamins have been linked to both gut and mental health, although their combined effects with prebiotics are not well understood. With the assistance of a food company, the investigators have developed a functional drink enriched with chicory inulin, alone or in combination with B-vitamins. Therefore, the investigators plan to conduct a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test the effect of this functional drink on gut health outcomes, nutritional status, inflammation, and mental health in adults aged 50 years and older.
Official title: 'GutFood' - Effect of a Food Intervention With a Prebiotic Alone or Combined With B-vitamins on Gut Microbiota Diversity, Inflammation and Mental Health Outcomes in Older Adults
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
50 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
84
Start Date
2026-05-18
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2026-05-18
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
Inulin and B-vitamins
A functional beverage containing inulin (7.5 g per serving) combined with B-vitamins folic acid (100μg), vitamin B12 (5μg), vitamin B6 (5mg) and riboflavin (2.5mg).
Inulin
A functional drink containing inulin (7.5 g per serving) without additional B-vitamins.
Placebo
A control/placebo drink with similar energy content (\~182 kJ / 43 kcal/ per serving) but without the additional nutrient provision.
Locations (1)
Human Intervention Studies Unit
Coleraine, County Londonderry, United Kingdom