The Effectiveness of Hesperidin, Diosmin and Proanthocyanidins Nutritional Supplementation on Cognitive and Motor Functions in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Control Study

Background: Frailty, falls, and disability are related to aging, which involves a decline in biological function. Proper nutrition can reduce frailty. When consumed in significant quantities, phytochemical compounds carry out a variety of biological tasks. Altermor®, a nutritional supplement containing hesperidin, diosmin and proanthocyanidins, optimizes blood microcirculation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate improvements in cognitive function, balance, fatigue, and some aspects of quality of life by introducing supplementation with Altemor® in the elderly. Methods: This is a randomized, crossover-controlled pilot study. Thirty-six elderly patients were randomized into three groups: G-ALT12, G-ALT21, and G-CON. G-ALT12 patients took 1 stick/day of Altemor® for 8 wk, did 4 wk of wash-out, and then took 2 sticks/day of Altemor® for another 8 wk; G-Alt21 patients took 2 sticks/day of Altemor® for 8 wk, did 4 wk of wash-out, and then took 1 stick/day of Altemor® for another 8 wk. G-CON patients took any supplements beyond their daily routine. All patients were assessed at baseline, after 8 wk, after 12 wk, and after 20 wk for cognitive and motor performance, mood, fatigue, and quality of life. After 1 week and 13 wk, patients were evaluated for attention only. Results: Both experimental groups showed statistically significant differences from the control group in cognitive function, particularly attention, and fall risk. No domains showed statistically significant differences between the two experimental groups. No significant differences were found in any domain when comparing the two experimental doses (1 stick/day vs. 2 sticks/day). Conclusion: In the older adults, dietary supplementation with hesperidin, diosmin and proanthocyanidins showed a positive effect on improving cognitive functions (attention, learning, memory) as well as significantly reducing the risk of falling. In the future, the use of Altermor® should be studied in moderate cognitive impairment and other cognitive disorders. Trial registration. NCT06352099.