Adequate nutritional intake in elderly individuals improves frailty. Elderly individuals may exhibit improvements in frailty with the use of community care facilities. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of nutritional intervention in elderly subjects at community care facilities receiving oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) and determined their nutritional status. Sixty-two elderly individuals using community care facilities were divided into the experimental group (EG) (before [n = 31]/after [n = 28]) and control group (CG) (before [n = 31]/after [n = 25]). Subjects in both groups were treated with ONSs (200 mL/200 kcal) for 90 days. However, those in the EG received the product with increased protein; vitamins A, C, D, and E; phosphorus; calcium; and zinc. The data collected included anthropometric data, dietary assessment findings, frailty status (Korean version of the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of weight questionnaire), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA). The changes in the two groups were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Nutritional intervention increased the weight, body mass index, and lean body mass in the EG (p < 0.05). Protein, calcium, and iron levels increased only in the EG (p < 0.05). The MNA score increased and sum of frailty indicators improved in the EG, and the increase in the MNA score in the EG was greater than that in the CG. This study verified the improved anthropometric data and dietary intake in the EG. Thus, the higher number of pre-frailty elderly individuals at facilities of community care indicates the need for adequate nutritional supplementation for frailty management.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  

• Association Between Protein Intake and Sarcopenia-Related Indicators Among Korean Older Adults: A Scoping Review
  Minjee Han, Kyung-sook Woo, Kirang Kim
  Clinical Nutrition Research.2025; 14(3): 216.     CrossRef
• Micronutrient Supplementation in Frailty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  Themistoklis Paraskevas, Konstantinos Kotrokois, Tonia Vassilakou, Panagiotis Halvatsiotis, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Pavlos Sarafis, Theodoros N. Sergentanis
  Healthcare.2025; 13(22): 2828.     CrossRef
• Yaşlılarda Kırılganlık Sendromu ve Beslenme
  Ceren Nida Görey, Sevde Kahraman, Fatma Çelik
  Akdeniz Medical Journal.2025; 11(1): 149.     CrossRef
• The effect of dose, frequency, and timing of protein supplementation on muscle mass in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Jeewanadee Hettiarachchi, Esmee M. Reijnierse, Natalie Kew, Kate Fetterplace, Sze-Yen Tan, Andrea B. Maier
  Ageing Research Reviews.2024; 99: 102325.     CrossRef
• Association of Protein Intake with Sarcopenia and Related Indicators Among Korean Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  Minjee Han, Kyungsook Woo, Kirang Kim
  Nutrients.2024; 16(24): 4350.     CrossRef
• Impact of multicomponent exercise and nutritional supplement interventions for improving physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Wachiranun Sirikul, Nida Buawangpong, Kanokporn Pinyopornpanish, Penprapa Siviroj
  BMC Geriatrics.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Yaşlılarda Kırılganlığın Önlenmesi ve Yönetiminde Kanıta Dayalı Yaklaşımlar
  Ayşe Buket DOĞAN, Özlem CANBOLAT
  Sağlık Bilimlerinde Değer.2023; 13(3): 501.     CrossRef
• The effect of dietary supplements on frailty in older persons: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials
  Li-Cong YAN, Fang YU, Xiao-Yan WANG, Ping YUAN, Gang XIAO, Qian-Qian CHENG, Feng-Xian NIU, Hong-Yan LU
  Food Science and Technology.2022;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Observational study on the benefit of a nutritional supplement, supporting immune function and energy metabolism, on chronic fatigue associated with the SARS-CoV-2 post-infection progress
  Maria Sole Rossato, Elisa Brilli, Nicola Ferri, Giulio Giordano, Germano Tarantino
  Clinical Nutrition ESPEN.2021; 46: 510.     CrossRef

Cistanche tubulosa and Laminaria japonica have been reported to have anti-oxidative, anticoagulant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. They are expected to be a promising candidates for promoting hair growth and treating dandruff and scalp inflammation as a consequence. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) in promoting hair health in patients with mild to moderate patterned hair loss. Using phototrichogram (Folliscope 4.0, LeadM, Seoul, Korea), we compared the density and diameter of hairs in patients receiving a placebo or Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) at baseline, 8 and 16 weeks of the study. In order to determine the efficacy of treatment on dandruff and scalp inflammation, investigator's assessment score and patient's subjective score were also performed. We found a statistically significant increase in the hair density of the test group (n = 45, MK-R7 400 mg) after 16 weeks of consuming the MK-R7 (test group: 23.29 n/cm² ± 24.26, control: 10.35 n/cm² ± 20.08, p < 0.05). In addition, we found a statistically significant increase in hair diameter in the test group compared to control group at week 16 (test group: 0.018 mm ± 0.015, control: 0.003 mm ± 0.013, p < 0.05). There were also significant outcomes regarding the investigator's visual assessment and patient's subjective score of dandruff and scalp inflammation in the test group compared to those in control group. Based on the results of this clinical study, we conclude that Cistanche tubulosa extract and Laminaria japonica extract complex (MK-R7) are promising substances for promoting health of the scalp and hair.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  

• Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
  Lei Zhou, Wenkang Zhu, Yan Chen
  Frontiers in Nutrition.2026;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Role of Polyphenols in Dermatological Diseases: Exploring Pharmacotherapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
  Juan Salazar, Ángel Ortega, José Luis Pérez, Bermary Garrido, Raquel Santeliz, Néstor Galbán, Maria Paula Díaz, Raquel Cano, Gabriel Cano, Julio Cesar Contreras-Velasquez, Maricarmen Chacín
  Pharmaceuticals.2025; 18(2): 247.     CrossRef
• Enhancing hair growth through phytochemicals: mechanisms, supporting evidence, and future directions
  Rasaq Onikola, Aminat Mohammed, Ridwan Shittu, Habiba Nazir, Lianyan Wang
  Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.2025; 77(7): 897.     CrossRef
• Alginic acid, a functional dietary ingredient derived from Ecklonia maxima stipe, attenuates the pro-inflammatory responses on particulate matter-induced lung macrophages
  D.P. Nagahawatta, Hyo-Geun Lee, N.M. Liyanage, H.H.A.C.K. Jayawardhana, Lei Wang, Hyun-Soo Kim, You-Jin Jeon
  Journal of Functional Foods.2023; 104: 105539.     CrossRef
• Dietary marine-derived ingredients for stimulating hair cell cycle
  Aleksandra Augustyniak, Helena Mc Mahon
  Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.2023; 163: 114838.     CrossRef
• Fucoidan from Sargassum autumnale Inhibits Potential Inflammatory Responses via NF-κB and MAPK Pathway Suppression in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW 264.7 Macrophages
  N. M. Liyanage, Hyo-Geun Lee, D. P. Nagahawatta, H. H. A. C. K. Jayawardhana, Kyung-Mo Song, Yun-Sang Choi, You-Jin Jeon, Min-Cheol Kang
  Marine Drugs.2023; 21(7): 374.     CrossRef
• Anti-Fine Dust Effect of Fucoidan Extracted from Ecklonia maxima Leaves in Macrophages via Inhibiting Inflammatory Signaling Pathways
  D.P. Nagahawatta, N.M. Liyanage, H.H.A.C.K. Jayawardhana, Hyo-Geun Lee, Thilina Jayawardena, You-Jin Jeon
  Marine Drugs.2022; 20(7): 413.     CrossRef
• Investigation of hepatoprotective effect of some algae species on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats
  F. Altinok-Yipel, I. O. Tekeli, S. Y. Ozsoy, M. Guvenc, S. Sayin, M. Yipel
  Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry.2020; 126(5): 463.     CrossRef
• Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong): A Review of Its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
  Huibo Lei, Xinyu Wang, Yuhao Zhang, Taofang Cheng, Rui Mi, Xike Xu, Xianpeng Zu, Weidong Zhang
  Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.2020; 68(8): 694.     CrossRef
• The protective mechanisms of macroalgae Laminaria japonica consumption against lipid metabolism disorders in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic rats
  Qing Zhang, Xiao-Yun Fan, Wei-Ling Guo, Ying-Jia Cao, Yi-Chen Lin, Wen-Jian Cheng, Li-Jiao Chen, Ping-Fan Rao, Li Ni, Xu-Cong Lv
  Food & Function.2020; 11(4): 3256.     CrossRef
• The Potential Role of Nutraceuticals as an Adjuvant in Breast Cancer Patients to Prevent Hair Loss Induced by Endocrine Therapy
  Giorgio Dell’Acqua, Aleksander Richards, M. Julie Thornton
  Nutrients.2020; 12(11): 3537.     CrossRef
• Hair Growth Promotion by Extracts of Inula Helenium and Caesalpinia Sappan Bark in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pre-clinical Study Using Phototrichogram Analysis
  Hyoung Chul Choi, Gae Won Nam, Noh Hee Jeong, Bu Young Choi
  Cosmetics.2019; 6(4): 66.     CrossRef
• Isolation and purification of fucoidan fraction in Turbinaria ornata from the Maldives; Inflammation inhibitory potential under LPS stimulated conditions in in-vitro and in-vivo models
  Thilina U. Jayawardena, I.P. Shanura Fernando, Won Woo Lee, K.K. Asanka Sanjeewa, Hyun-Soo Kim, Dae-Sung Lee, You-Jin Jeon
  International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.2019; 131: 614.     CrossRef
• Cistanches Herba: An overview of its chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics property
  Zhifei Fu, Xiang Fan, Xiaoying Wang, Xiumei Gao
  Journal of Ethnopharmacology.2018; 219: 233.     CrossRef
• Herba Cistanches: Anti-aging
  Ningqun Wang, Shaozhen Ji, Hao Zhang, Shanshan Mei, Lumin Qiao, Xianglan Jin
  Aging and disease.2017; 8(6): 740.     CrossRef
• Fucoidan inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages and zebrafish larvae
  Jin-Woo Jeong, Su Jung Hwang, Min Ho Han, Dae-Sung Lee, Jong Su Yoo, Il-Whan Choi, Hee-Jae Cha, Suhkmann Kim, Heui-Soo Kim, Gi-Young Kim, You-Jin Jeon, Hyo-Jong Lee, Hwan Tae Park, Young Hyun Yoo, Yung Hyun Choi
  Molecular & Cellular Toxicology.2017; 13(4): 405.     CrossRef
• Molecular pathways related to the longevity promotion and cognitive improvement of Cistanche tubulosa in Drosophila
  Wei-Yong Lin, Chun Yao, Jack Cheng, Shung-Te Kao, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Hsin-Ping Liu
  Phytomedicine.2017; 26: 37.     CrossRef