(P18-028-24) Impact of Nutritionally Balanced Oral Nutritional Supplements on Muscle Function in Middle-Aged and Elderly Korean Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: Postmenopausal women often face challenges related to declining muscle function and an increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders as they age. This study evaluated the effects of nutritionally balanced oral nutritional supplementation (ONS) on muscle function in healthy females aged 50 to 80.

Methods: This single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, was conducted at Kyung Hee University Medical Center from February 19, 2020, to September 23, 2021. Participants were instructed to incorporate two daily packs of either the test ONS (200 kcal/pack, 23 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat, and 15 g protein including BCAAs) or placebo ONS (200 kcal/pack, 33 g carbohydrate, 8 g fat, and 1 g protein) into their routine for 12 weeks while maintaining their regular lifestyle. Primary outcomes assessed changes in lean body mass and muscle strength, with fat mass changes as a secondary outcome.

Results: Sixty-four participants (33 in the test group, 31 in the placebo group; mean ± SD age, [test] 63.06 ± 5.51 years, [placebo] 63.29 ± 3.28 years, p = 0.839) completed the 12-week protocol. The test group exhibited a higher percentage change in lean body mass than the placebo group (0.26 ± 1.49 vs. -0.48 ± 0.92 %; p = 0.020). Both groups demonstrated increased absolute knee extensor and flexor strength after 12 weeks, with no significant between-group differences. However, the placebo group experienced a significant increase in body fat (38.16 ± 4.17 to 38.68 ± 4.18 %, p = 0.006).

Conclusions: Nutritionally balanced ONS supplementation improved muscle and fat status, as well as muscle strength in middle-aged and elderly females. This suggests its potential role in preventing frailty and musculoskeletal disorders associated with female aging.

Funding Sources: This study received support from Daesang Wellife (Seoul, Republic of Korea).