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Benefits of Diet and Nutritional Supplements for Frailty in the Old Adult

A Special Issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643) belonging to the section "Geriatric Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2026) | Viewed by 1146

Editors


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Guest Editor
Coniugi Bernardini’s Hospital, Asl Roma 5, Palestrina, Rome, Italy
Interests: frailty; cognitive impairment; sarcopenia

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Guest Editor
1. ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale—Local Health Autority), Salerno, Italy
2. ASL Napoli 3 Sud, Naples, Italy
Interests: aging; geriatrics; cardiovascular diseases; heart failure; myocardial infarction; sympathetic nervous system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A critical role in both managing and potentially reversing frailty in older adults is played by diet and nutritional supplements. When combined with regular physical activity, an adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals has been shown to improve muscle mass, strength, and overall physical function, while also reducing inflammation and enhancing nutritional status.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to advance our understanding of how nutrition and supplementation can support the prevention and management of frailty in older adults. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction and integration of different components.

We welcome both original research articles and comprehensive reviews, spanning a range of methodologies—from observational studies to randomized controlled trials. Contributions that explore innovative approaches, mechanistic insights, or practical applications in clinical or community settings are especially encouraged.

Dr. Vincenzo Gianturco
Dr. Claudio de Lucia
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • frailty
  • sarcopenia
  • old adult
  • aging
  • intervention
  • nutritional supplements
  • inflammation
  • diet
  • physical function

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 749 KB  
Article
Dietary Leucine and Total Polyphenol Intake and Their Associations with Sarcopenia Indicators Among Older People Participating in the Program for Complementary Food in Older People (PACAM) in the Metropolitan Region, Santiago de Chile
by Edson Bustos-Arriagada, Migdalia Caridad Arazo-Rusindo, Jorge Calderón-Herrera, Francisco Pérez-Bravo, Oscar Castillo-Valenzuela, Jorge Barros-Velázquez and María Salomé Mariotti-Celis
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142237 - 9 Jul 2026
Viewed by 514
Abstract
Background and Objective: Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition among older people that significantly compromises functional capacity and quality of life. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between leucine and total polyphenol intake and indicators of sarcopenia in 181 older people from the Metropolitan [...] Read more.
Background and Objective: Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition among older people that significantly compromises functional capacity and quality of life. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between leucine and total polyphenol intake and indicators of sarcopenia in 181 older people from the Metropolitan Region of Chile enrolled in the PACAM program. Methods: Dietary intake was assessed using three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Leucine intake was estimated using Food Processor II software and compared with a 3 g/day anabolic threshold, while total daily polyphenol intake (mg/day) was calculated from Phenol-Explorer content data. Both dietary variables were examined in relation to sarcopenia status (presence/absence) as defined by the established European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests for continuous variables, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and multivariable logistic regression models, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs); significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The median intakes of leucine and total polyphenols were 2.2 g/day and 499.33 mg/day, respectively, with total polyphenols derived mainly from fruits and vegetables. No significant associations were observed between leucine or total polyphenol intake and sarcopenia status, either in absolute terms or when categorized by the anabolic thresholds (≥3 g/day and ≥1000 mg/day, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, BMI, total protein and total energy intake, neither leucine nor total polyphenol intake showed independent associations with sarcopenia. Conclusions: In this sample of older Chilean people, habitual intake of leucine and total polyphenols was not associated with sarcopenia status, suggesting that current intake levels may not be sufficient to produce measurable effects on muscle health under real-world conditions. Full article
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