The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether a fermented black soybean and adlay supplement can improve frailty. The main questions it seeks to answer are: * Does the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement improve physical performance? * What is the effect of the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement on gut microbiota? Researchers will compare the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement to a placebo (a non-fermented black soybean and adlay supplement) to assess its impact on physical performance. Participants will: * Take either the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. * Visit the clinic for checkups and tests before and after consuming the product.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of fermented black soybean and adlay supplements on frailty and gut microbiota in older adults. Older participants are recruited from National Taiwan University Hospital. Parcitipants will be stratified randomization into placebo and experimental groups based on their robustness status. Older participants will take either the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Baseline characteristics of the participants, including demographic data, chronic disease history, and anthropometric data, will be collected. Cognitive function will be evaluated using the Mini-Mental Status Examination. A 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale will be used to identify depressive symptoms. Nutritional status will be assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Blood and fecal samples, as well as data on physical performance and frailty status, will be collected before and after consuming the product.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
141
The preparation of the fermented black soybean and adlay supplement involves autoclaved black soybean and dehulled adlay, which are inoculated with Bacillus subtilis natto (1.3 × 10⁶ CFU/g) and incubated for 43 hours at 28°C. Participants assigned to the experimental group will take the Fermented Black Soybean and Adlay Supplement daily for 12 weeks.
The placebo product was prepared using uninoculated autoclaved black soybean and dehulled adlay. The samples were provided as frozen food and required microwaving for 30 seconds before serving. Participants assigned to the placebo group will take the non-fermented black soybean and adlay supplement daily for 12 weeks.
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
frailty status
Frailty status will be assessed using modified Fried's criteria before and after consuming the product.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
gut microbiota
Gut microbiota will be analyzed via fecal sample collection before and after consuming the product.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Physical performance: 5-meter walk speed
5-meter walk speed will be evaluated before and after consuming the product. The participant will be asked to walk at their normal comfortable pace until they reach the end of the 5-meter mark.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
physical performance: Timed Up and Go test
Timed Up and Go test will be evaluated before and after consuming the product. The Timed Up and Go test measures functional mobility by timing a participant as they rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
physical performance: 30-second chair stand test
Thirty-second chair stand test will be evaluated before and after consuming the product. The 30-Second Chair Stand Test measures lower body strength and endurance by counting the number of times a participant can fully stand up from a chair and sit back down within 30 seconds.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
physical performance: grip strength
Grip strength will be measured before and after consuming the product. Grip strength measurement assesses upper body muscle strength by using a dynamometer to measure the maximum force exerted when a participant squeezes the device with their dominant hand.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Number of participants with biochemistry blood tests.
Biochemical data from blood samples of the 141 participants will be analyzed before and after consuming the product.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
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