Supplementation with cod protein hydrolysate in older adults: a dose range cross-over study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Impaired glucose metabolism is prevalent in older adults.
• Fish protein studies show improved glucose regulation in healthy adults, but evidence in seniors is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of escalating cod protein hydrolysate (CPH) doses on postprandial glucose metabolism in older adults.
• To assess the dose-response relationship of CPH on glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 levels.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind, cross-over trial involving 31 older adults (60-78 years).
• Participants received daily doses of CPH (10, 20, 30, or 40 mg/kg body weight) for one week, with one-week washout periods.
• Primary outcome: postprandial glucose and insulin response measured over 120 minutes. Secondary outcome: plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) response.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in peak glucose, insulin, or GLP-1 levels were found between the lowest (10 mg/kg BW) and higher CPH doses.
• A trend for decreased peak glucose (0.28 mmol/l lower at 40 mg/kg vs 10 mg/kg, P=0.13) and insulin (5.14 mIU/l lower at 40 mg/kg vs 10 mg/kg, P=0.20) was observed with increasing CPH dosage.

Conclusions:

• Increasing doses of cod protein hydrolysate (CPH) suggest a potential trend towards reduced serum glucose and insulin levels in older adults.
• These preliminary findings warrant further investigation to confirm the efficacy of CPH for improving glucose metabolism in this demographic.