Bandeau In vitro simulation of digestion of older adults
In vitro simulation of digestion of older adults
UMR STLO Unit
Research
BN group
In vitro simulation of digestion of older adults

In vitro simulation of digestion of older adults, a new tool to design products adapted to their needs

Preventing malnutrition in the elderly, a population that is growing steadily worldwide, is a major public health issue. This can be achieved among other solutions by providing products tailored to the needs of older adults, particularly products enriched with protein. However, the specific digestive characteristics of this population need to be taken into account in order to check whether the products on offer are genuinely beneficial from a nutritional point of view. This evaluation can be done using in vitro digestion models, which avoid experiments on humans or animals.

As with the models published by the INFOGEST consortium, which are widely recognised for infants and adults under the age of 65, it was necessary to establish a senior model. An international group of researchers therefore reviewed and synthesised the available data on the digestive system in older adults, enabling them to publish a model of digestion adapted to this population. It is characterised by a slower gastric emptying, a less acidic environment in the stomach and a reduction in the activity of some digestive enzymes.

  • Proteolysis in the gastric phase is lowed down for the senior model,
  • Proteolysis at the end of the intestinal phase is similar between the 2 populations.

Researchers at STLO then applied this new model to whey protein-rich dairy products. Comparison with the results obtained using the young adult model showed that :

This model represents a new tool for assessing and comparing the digestion of foods intended for older adults.

Figure In vitro simulation of digestion of older adults
© STLO

Evolution of the degree of protein hydrolysis (DH) of an experimental dairy product rich in whey protein. Data were obtained using an in vitro model of young adult (light blue) or senior (dark blue) digestion.

Collaborations

This work was carried out as part of the EAT4AGE project funded by the national agencies of 7 countries, under the umbrella of the European Joint Programming Initiative ‘A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life’ (JPI-HDHL).

Read more

Ménard O, Lesmes U, Shani-Levi C, Araiza Calahorra A, Lavoisier A, Morzel M, Rieder A, Feron G, Nebbia S, Mashiah L, Andres A, Bornhorst G, Carrière F, Egger L, Gwala S, Heredia A, Kirkhus B, Macierzanka A, Portman R, Recio I, Santé-Lhoutellier V, Tournier C, Sarkar A, Brodkorb A, Mackie A, Dupont D. 2023. Static in vitro digestion model adapted to the general older adult population: an INFOGEST international consensus. Food and Function, 14: 4569-4582.

Lavoisier A, Morzel M, Chevalier S, Henry G, Harel-Oger M, Garric G & Dupont D. 2023. In vitro digestion of two protein-rich dairy products in the ageing gastrointestinal tract. Food and Function, 14: 9377-9390.

Contacts

Didier Dupont

Martine Morzel

Modification date: 16 May 2025 | Publication date: 15 May 2025 | By: STLO-MHFamelart