Study on How a Nutritional Formula with Proteins and Carbohydrates Affects Stomach Emptying in Older Adults Aged 60 to 90 Years

What this Trial Is About

This trial evaluates how a nutritional formula made of carbohydrates and proteins affects gastric emptying compared to a formula made only of carbohydrates in elderly individuals aged 60 to 90 years. The study aims to determine if the protein-plus-carbohydrate formula delays stomach emptying and whether it causes any gastrointestinal symptoms. Researchers focus on this because aging can slow gastric emptying and affect surgery fasting guidelines. Participants receive two different formulas on separate days in a randomized, crossover, triple-blind design. One formula contains carbohydrates and proteins, and the other contains only carbohydrates. After drinking the formula, participants undergo scintigraphy imaging immediately and at 60, 120, and 180 minutes to measure how fast their stomach empties. There is a 7-day washout period between treatments. During the study, participants fast for 8 hours before each visit and report any gastrointestinal symptoms and sensations like hunger and fullness using visual scales. Blood glucose is measured multiple times during each visit. The main outcome is gastric emptying time, with secondary measures including symptoms and blood glucose levels. The total involvement includes two study days spaced apart by a week, with detailed monitoring during each session.

Effect of a Nutritional Formula Composed of Proteins and Carbohydrates on Gastric Emptying in Elderly Individuals