{"title":"Are the current criteria for defining dietary protein quality sufficient for the older adult?","authors":"Stéphane Walrand, José A Morais","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000001169","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":"29 1","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145721590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guillermo Santos-Sánchez, Marta Santos-Hernández, Beatriz Miralles, Isidra Recio
{"title":"Bioactive peptides: from preclinical to clinical studies.","authors":"Guillermo Santos-Sánchez, Marta Santos-Hernández, Beatriz Miralles, Isidra Recio","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001177","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Growing interest in the relationship between dietary components and health has intensified research efforts, particularly concerning bioactive peptides. Despite substantial investigations over the past three decades, the therapeutic potential of these peptides remains underutilized. This review summarizes recent scientific evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials to evaluate the physiological effects of protein hydrolysates and purified peptide fractions. This highlights emerging findings on their impact across multiple biological systems, with a particular focus on metabolic health, cardiovascular regulation, and immune function.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Preclinical studies have provided substantial evidence that protein hydrolysates may improve or prevent metabolic disorders related to obesity, glucose homeostasis, and cardiovascular function. These hydrolysates are also widely incorporated into specialized formulas for allergic infants and have demonstrated modulatory effects on adaptive immune responses. Emerging research has highlighted the intestinal epithelium as a principal site of action, particularly through mechanisms involving gut hormone release and microbiota modulation. Nevertheless, the potential involvement of alternative pathways, whether direct or indirect, via diverse signalling cascades cannot be excluded. Although the clinical evidence remains limited, the number of human studies investigating these effects is steadily increasing.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Protein hydrolysates exhibit significant potential in supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health and in modulating immune function. Their incorporation into food or pharmaceutical formulations requires the validation of these benefits through rigorous clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"81-88"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145279127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andria Papazachariou, Ioanna Papakitsou, Vironas Malikides, Theodosios D Filippatos
{"title":"Vitamin B12 deficiency among older adults and its associations with geriatric syndromes.","authors":"Andria Papazachariou, Ioanna Papakitsou, Vironas Malikides, Theodosios D Filippatos","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001171","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common yet frequently underdiagnosed condition in older adults. The growing aging population is experiencing an increasing burden of geriatric syndromes, such as cognitive impairment, frailty, and falls. The aim of this review is to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between B12 deficiency and age-related clinical outcomes to guide early recognition and management.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies link vitamin B12 deficiency to neurodegenerative and neuromuscular changes via disrupted myelin synthesis, elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Low B12 levels are consistently associated with cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, balance disturbances, gait disorders, sarcopenia, and frailty. Diagnosis is often challenging due to nonspecific or overlapping clinical features and the limited sensitivity of standard serum B12 assays. Clinical improvements in cognitive and physical function have been observed following supplementation, particularly in early or mild cases.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of vitamin B12 deficiency in key geriatric syndromes. Routine screening and early intervention for vitamin B12 deficiency in high-risk older adults may mitigate the progression of geriatric syndromes and preserve functional independence.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"21-27"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145344131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between nutritional status and sleep quality in older adults: an update.","authors":"Xiaopan Xu, Mian Wang","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001172","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The complex association between nutritional status and sleep quality in older adults remains poorly understood. This review critically examines recent advances and the potential of targeted nutritional interventions to enhance sleep and promote healthy aging.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Emerging evidence links malnutrition and imbalances in key micronutrients and macronutrients to poor sleep quality in older adults. Studies highlight that adherence to plant-based diets, adequate consumption of milk and marine fish, and avoidance of stimulants such as green tea and coffee are associated with better sleep outcomes. Supplementation with specific nutrients, including methyl donor nutrients and amino acid derivatives, shows promise in improving sleep parameters. Additionally, social determinants influencing nutritional status also impact sleep quality. However, the majority of current evidence is observational, and randomized controlled trials remain limited in size, duration, and focus, often examining isolated nutrients rather than comprehensive dietary patterns.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Nutritional status is a modifiable factor that significantly influences sleep quality in older adults. While current findings support the potential of dietary and supplemental interventions to improve sleep, robust clinical trials and mechanistic research are needed to establish causality and optimize personalized nutrition strategies for healthy aging and better sleep health.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"15-20"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145185004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patrick Manckoundia, Alain Putot, Fabrice Larosa, Thomas Renoncourt
{"title":"Microcytic anemia in older adults: a comprehensive review.","authors":"Patrick Manckoundia, Alain Putot, Fabrice Larosa, Thomas Renoncourt","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001174","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Microcytic anemia (MA) is common in older adults (OA) with a significant impact on quality of life and survival. We explore current knowledge on the subject.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Nonspecific general signs (delirium, cognitive disorders, apathy, bradyphrenia, falls, …) may be at the forefront of MA in OA.Recent advances have clarified the roles of hepcidin, ferroportin and soluble transferrin receptors. Nevertheless, the assay of these new biomarkers is only recommended in cases of uncertainty.The most common mechanism of MA in OA is iron deficiency. It is often both absolute (decrease in iron reserves) and functional (decrease in circulating iron, while reserves are high), particularly in frail OA characterized by polymorbidity/polypharmacy.The Haute Autorité de Santé (France) has published guidelines establishing a hemoglobin threshold for red blood cell transfusion in OA: <7 g/dl in the case of asymptomatic anemia, <8 g/dl if there is heart failure or coronary insufficiency, and <10 g/dl if there is poor clinical tolerance.Administration of intravenous furosemide after red blood cell transfusion is recommended to prevent transfusion-associated circulatory overload. Iron supplementation will also be prescribed in absolute deficiency.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Microcytic anemia, often mixed in OA, requires symptomatic and etiological management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"28-34"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145279172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonio C Ramos Dos Santos, Marta L Fiorotto, Teresa A Davis
{"title":"Amino acids and lean mass accretion in preterm neonates.","authors":"Antonio C Ramos Dos Santos, Marta L Fiorotto, Teresa A Davis","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001178","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review evaluates recent evidence on how total protein and energy intake, amino acid composition, and nutrient delivery modality influence protein synthesis in preterm neonates, with the goal of informing nutritional strategies to support optimal lean mass accretion and growth.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Preterm neonates exhibit anabolic resistance to feeding due to impaired insulin and amino acid signaling in skeletal muscle. Enteral nutrition, especially fortified human milk, supports better lean mass accretion and neurodevelopment than parenteral nutrition. Intermittent bolus feeding and pulsatile leucine supplementation during continuous feeding further enhance mTORC1-dependent translation initiation signaling and protein synthesis efficiency in skeletal muscle, offering promising strategies to optimize lean tissue growth.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Strategies that prioritize early enteral feeding, appropriate milk fortification, and nutrient delivery patterns that mimic feeding pulsatility may overcome anabolic resistance and enhance lean mass accretion, supporting healthy growth trajectories in preterm infants.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"89-97"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12700696/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145243898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kym Huynh, Jordan Zuvela, Timothy To, Anna Rachelle Austria Mislang
{"title":"Management of malnutrition in older adults with cancer.","authors":"Kym Huynh, Jordan Zuvela, Timothy To, Anna Rachelle Austria Mislang","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001182","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Older adults with cancer are a vulnerable population at heightened risk of malnutrition. Given its association with adverse outcomes, and the growing burden of cancer with an ageing population, this review summarizes key practical considerations when managing malnutrition in this cohort.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Malnutrition in this cohort is driven by cancer-related, treatment-related, age-related and patient-related factors. This can lead to nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) that propagate the development of cancer cachexia, sarcopenia, and frailty, and adversely affect prognosis and quality of life. To mitigate these complications, early and repeated screening and assessment for malnutrition and its associated syndromes with validated tools should be embedded within a multidisciplinary framework. Interventions should involve regular education of the individual and their caregiver(s), underpinned by exercise and individualized dietary counselling with consideration of nutritional supplementation. This should be supported by strategies to mitigate NIS, with consideration of the psychosocial determinants of malnutrition that can often be unique to this cohort.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Older adults with cancer require multidisciplinary strategies for the management of malnutrition. Systematic screening and individualized interventions may improve prognosis and quality of life. Practical considerations reviewed here should refine best-practice onco-geriatric models, ensuring nutrition is integrated into standard care.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"35-44"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145488224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Plasma amino acid signatures and cardiometabolic risk: Cause or consequence?","authors":"Marco Mensink","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001179","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To describe typical amino acid signatures for cardiometabolic risk and to discuss whether such signatures are a cause or merely a consequence of increased cardiometabolic risk.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies confirm the association between plasma amino acid levels and cardiometabolic risk across different populations and for multiple cardiometabolic traits, highlighting the value of plasma amino acid signatures as biomarkers. Preclinical studies targeting branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism show the potential of this novel strategy to improve cardiometabolic health.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Elevated plasma BCAA, aromatic amino acid (AAA), glutamate, low glycine, and a reduced glutamine-to-glutamate ratio are consistently linked to higher cardiometabolic risk, with impaired BCAA metabolism playing a bidirectional role in insulin resistance. Targeting BCAA catabolism may help lower BCAAs and their metabolites, offering a potential strategy to reduce cardiometabolic risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"68-74"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145399724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Amino acid requirements of older adults: time to consider separate recommendations from young adults.","authors":"Glenda Courtney-Martin","doi":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001188","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MCO.0000000000001188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>to present recent data on amino acid requirements in older adults determined by the minimally invasive indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method, and to compare them to current recommendations derived from young adult data.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>using the minimally invasive IAAO method we estimated the requirements for leucine, lysine and Sulphur amino acids (SAA) in older adults. The leucine requirement for older adults is more than twice the current recommendations. A sex effect on SAA requirement demonstrates an increased requirement in males compared to females which represent a >70% higher estimate for older males compared to current recommendations. For lysine, there is both an age and sex effect with older females >70 years requiring close to 50% more lysine than current recommendations.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Amino acid requirements for older adults derived using the minimally invasive IAAO method demonstrated a higher requirement for key indispensable amino acids in older adults compared to current recommendation. Since amino acid requirements are a necessary consideration when assessing protein quality, these results highlight the need for a separation of the amino acid recommendations between young and older adults for improved assessment and prescription of diets for older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":10962,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care","volume":" ","pages":"63-67"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145556459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}