Effects of Peanut Butter Supplementation on Older Adults' Physical Function: A 6-Month Randomised Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background: Nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of functional decline, but evidence from randomised controlled trials to support functional benefit is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether daily supplementation of peanut butter over 6 months, relative to usual care, can improve physical function in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods: One hundred and twenty older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) at risk of falls were randomly assigned to receive peanut butter (43 g/day, n = 60) or maintain usual care (control, n = 60) for 6 months. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 6 months included physical function (4-m gait speed [primary outcome], standing balance test, four-square step test [FSST], five times sit-to-stand [5STS] test time and muscle power, 30-s sit-to-stand (30-s STS) and timed up and go [TUG] tests), muscle strength (handgrip [HGS] and isometric knee extensor strength tests [KES]) and anthropometry/body composition (weight, body mass index [BMI], total lean and fat mass and appendicular lean mass). Linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex, baseline value of the dependent variable, BMI, physical activity and diet quality, estimated intention-to-treat intervention effects.
Results: A total of 108 (90%) participants completed the study. At baseline, 70% were female, and the mean ± SD age and BMI were 76.1 ± 4.6 years and 27.5 ± 4.2 kg/m2, respectively. At 6 months, there were no significant treatment effects on the primary…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.
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