With the global population aging, the PROMOTe trial presents an intriguing exploration into the potential of gut microbiome modulation to improve muscle function and cognition in older adults. The study hinges on using prebiotics selectively utilized by the gut microbiome. It combines this with a protein (branched-chain amino acids) and resistance exercise intervention to assess its effects on muscle strength and cognitive abilities.
The world is witnessing an increase in the average age of its population, leading to a higher prevalence of age-related conditions such as muscle loss and cognitive decline. Exercise has been recognized as a means to mitigate these declines, but the challenge remains in its adoption among older adults. The PROMOTe trial investigates the role of the gut microbiome in this context, suggesting that its modulation through diet could be a key to unlocking new therapeutic avenues for age-associated morbidities.
The trial recruited 72 participants (36 twin pairs), focusing on those over 60 to examine the impact of gut microbiome modulation on muscle function and cognition. Despite the promising hypothesis, the primary outcome—improvement in muscle function, specifically chair rise time—showed no significant difference between the prebiotic and placebo groups. However, a notable finding emerged in the realm of cognitive performance.
The group that received the prebiotic supplement showed a significant improvement in cognitive scores, particularly in memory tests known to be early indicators of Alzheimer’s dementia. This suggests a potential link between gut health and cognitive function, supporting the idea of a gut-brain axis.
While the study did not observe a significant impact on muscle function within the 12 weeks, the cognitive improvements highlight the gut microbiome as a promising target for therapeutic interventions against cognitive decline. The mixed results emphasize the need for further research to understand how gut health affects muscle and cognitive functions and identify the optimal conditions for such interventions, including the duration and dosage of prebiotic supplementation.
The trial’s use of twins as participants allowed for a unique examination of genetic and environmental factors on the study’s outcomes, reinforcing the reliability of the findings. However, it also points to the complexity of translating microbiome research into tangible health benefits, as the study faced limitations in demonstrating a direct impact on muscle strength.
The PROMOTe trial marks an essential step in unraveling the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome, muscle function, and cognition in the aging population. While it opens new avenues for research, it also underscores the challenges in harnessing the gut microbiome for health interventions. As we continue to explore this promising field, future studies will be crucial in determining how dietary interventions can be optimized to support healthy aging, potentially altering the landscape of age-related healthcare strategies.
Journal Reference – Ni Lochlainn, M., Bowyer, R. C. E., Moll, J. M., García, M. P., Wadge, S., Baleanu, A.-F., … Steves, C. J. (2024). Effect of gut microbiome modulation on muscle function and cognition: the PROMOTe randomised controlled trial. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46116-y
