They say you are what you eat.
Now researchers from the Microbiome Research Centre at St George Hospital and St George and Sutherland Clinical School are seeking people aged 60 to 70 for a study examining the effects of diet on ageing.
The Frailty, Ageing and Inflammation Trial for Health (FAITH) is being conducted by researchers from the Microbiome Research Centre, St George and Sutherland Clinical School, the School of Population Health at University of NSW and Neuroscience Research Australia.
It needs adults aged 60 to 70 for a study to find out if taking dietary supplements can help improve frailty and inflammation.
By 2057, it is projected there will be 8.8 million older Australians, representing 22 per cent of the population.
Recent reports published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found older Australians were not meeting dietary guidelines.
Adults over the age of 70 on average do not meet the recommended daily serves of four out of five food groups and may be missing key nutrients.
Lower fruit, vegetable and fibre intakes can lead to a reduction in the production of beneficial short chain fatty acids which are important in influencing the microbiome.
This means the body is unable to dampen down inflammation, which may promote the onset of age-related illnesses.
The gut microbiome is the group of microorganisms living in our digestive tracts.
Chief Investigator Dr Adrienne Withall said diet played a fundamental role in shaping the gut microbiome.
"Diet and nutritional status are among the most important, modifiable determinants of human health. It is exciting that we are starting to understand the links between brain, body and gut health," Dr Withall said.
The FAITH study will provide valuable information about whether key nutrients can improve low-grade inflammation and affect the microbiome in older Australian adults.
Biological sample collections will take place at the start and end of the trial. Participants will also be asked to complete surveys and take nutritional supplements for four months.
Participants will receive a four months' supply of dietary supplements, regular monitoring and dietary advice, while those in the control group will receive the supplements after the trial is complete.
Details: Contact the study coordinator Milena Katz on 0402 385 835 or email m.katz@unsw.edu.au.
