Improving Rehabilitation In Sarcopenia (IRIS)

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled supplementation trial tested the hypothesis that nutritional supplementation with whey protein, essential amino acids - mainly leucine - vitamin D and calcium concurrent with regular, controlled physical activity would increase the efficacy of physical rehabilitation in old adults suffering from sarcopenia

Inclusion criteria

• age 65 years or older
• admission for physical rehabilitation
• sarcopenia, measured with bioelectrical impedance assessment (BIA) + handgrip strength and gait speed
• Mini Mental State Examination ≥18
• Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Any malignant disease during the last five years
• Known kidney failure (previous glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min);
• Known liver failure (Child B or C)
• Psychiatric disease
• Endocrine disorders associated with disorders of calcium metabolism (excluding osteoporosis)
• Indications related to the study product:

More than 10 µg (400 IU) of daily Vitamin D intake from medical sources More than 500 mg of daily calcium intake from medical sources. Adherence to a high energy or high protein diet up or use of protein containing or amino acid containing nutritional supplements up to three months before starting the study.

• Known allergy to milk, milk products or other components of the proposed interventions
• Indication to or ongoing artificial nutrition support
• Inclusion in other nutrition intervention trials
• Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the subject to comply with the protocol requirements
• Refusal