LONDON, ENGLAND – A recent study conducted by researchers at King’s College London has found that daily fiber supplements can significantly improve brain function in individuals over 60 years old in just a span of 12 weeks. This promising discovery offers a cost-effective way to potentially combat early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, without any adverse effects on muscle strength.
The study, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, focused on the impact of prebiotic supplements such as inulin and FOS on brain health and muscle function in aging populations. The researchers found that the simple addition of a daily fiber supplement led to improvements in memory tests associated with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn, the first author of the study, expressed excitement over the results, highlighting the potential of enhancing brain health and memory in the elderly population. The researchers aimed to understand how targeting the gut microbiota using plant fiber supplements could benefit both muscle health and brain function.
In a double-blind study involving 72 individuals over 60 years old, participants were given either a placebo or the fiber supplement daily for 12 weeks. Concurrently, all participants engaged in resistance exercises and consumed a protein supplement to improve muscle function. The researchers closely monitored the participants through remote methods, including video monitoring, online questionnaires, and cognitive tests.
The findings revealed significant changes in the gut microbiome composition of participants who received the fiber supplement, particularly an increase in beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium. While there was no notable difference in muscle strength between the groups, the group taking the fiber supplement showed better performance in brain function tests.
Professor Claire Steves, the senior author of the study, emphasized the accessibility and affordability of plant fibers as a potential solution to enhance brain health. The study’s remote design demonstrated the feasibility of conducting trials in older adults without the need for extensive travel or hospital visits, which could have implications for aging populations globally.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to investigate whether the effects of the fiber supplement are sustained over longer periods and in larger groups of people. The study was supported by King’s Centre for Ageing Resilience in a Changing Environment (CARICE) and grants from the National Institute of Health Research and Wellcome Trust.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of daily fiber supplements in improving brain function and memory in the elderly population, offering a simple and accessible solution to combat early signs of cognitive decline.