ARE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AND NUTRACEUTICALS EFFECTIVE FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN OLDER PEOPLE? A SCOPING REVIEW

Introduction/Background The market of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals is growing worldwide, in particular aimed to improve health in elderly. WHO reported that the number of individuals aged ≥ 60 years will triple in 2050; an inadequate intake of nutrients and low levels of physical activity were hypothesized to reduce muscle mass and physical performance in these subjects. The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the state of the art on micronutrients, available in nutraceuticals or in dietary supplements, in order to identify, according to EBM, which of them might improve musculoskeletal and cognitive functions in elderly. Material and Methods We performed a scoping review. We started listing the micronutrients available in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals used to improve physical and cognitive functioning in elderly; we identified the relevant studies on PubMed, using as MeSH terms the selected micronutrients and adding through PubMed Search Builder the terms: "bone", "skeletal muscle" and “central nervous system” / “brain” / “cognitive function”; we selected the effective micronutrients; we identified the effective and safe dosage regimens. Results After an evaluation of scientific publications in medical literature in the last 10 years, with an evidence-based approach, we selected 12 positive relevant studies (1 systematic review, 7 randomized controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, and 1 international society guideline recommendations). Of the 40 micronutrients defined as having “a health relationship on musculoskeletal and/or cognitive functions”, only 16 resulted to have an appropriate scientific evidence of their effectiveness in older people: beta-alanine, calcium, creatine, fluorides, leucine, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K2, and zinc. Conclusion Our scoping review showed that the 16 selected micronutrients in appropriate doses might have an ancillary role in musculoskeletal and cognitive functions in older people.