Effect of essential amino acid supplementation on quality of life, amino acid profile and strength in institutionalized elderly patients

Clin Nutr. 2011 Oct;30(5):571-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2011.04.005. Epub 2011 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background & aims: This study assessed the efficacy of supplemented essential amino acids on depressive symptoms, nutrition, muscle function, daily physical activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of institutionalized elderly patients.

Methods: Forty-one patients (58.5% women; mean age 79.8 yrs) with sequelae of coronary artery disease (73%), femoral fracture (34%), were randomly assigned to receive oral essential amino acids 4 gr 2 times a day for 8 weeks or isocaloric placebo. Before randomization and 8 weeks after the protocol started, the following variables were measured: depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS), nutritional panel (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA; serum albumin and prealbumin levels), muscle strength (Hand Grip, HG), Activity Daily Life (ADL), Quality of Life (SF-36, HRQoL) and amino acid profile.

Results: Compared with the placebo group, EAA patients improved nutrition (MNA score 22.6 ± 1.5 post vs 21.8 ± 1.6 pre; p < 0. 04, albumin g/dl 4.04 ± 0.35 post vs 3.88 ± 0.3 pre; p < 0.01), GDS(score 10.3 ± 1.75 post vs 13.85 ± 3.37 pre; p < 0.001), HG (Kg 19.75 ± 1.7 post vs 18.68 ± 1.36 pre; p = 0.001), ADL (p < 0.04) and both physical and mental components of SF-36 (p < 0.002).

Conclusions: Oral supplementation with essential amino acids improved several determinants of quality of life in institutionalized elderly patients, including depressive symptoms, nutrition, muscle function and daily life activity.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / blood*
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Amino Acids / blood*
  • Amino Acids, Essential / blood
  • Amino Acids, Essential / therapeutic use*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / physiopathology
  • Coronary Artery Disease / psychology
  • Depression / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / physiopathology
  • Femoral Fractures / psychology
  • Homes for the Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malnutrition / prevention & control
  • Motor Activity
  • Muscle Strength*
  • Nursing Homes
  • Nutritional Status
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Amino Acids, Essential