A Multidisciplinary Approach for Elderly Nutrition: Looking for the Food Matrix Effect

Background: Addressing the issue of population ageing the Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy founded a collaborative initiative involving food SMEs and university. This project targets individuals over 75 years old, emphasizing sustainability through circular economy practices, which exploit by-products from the food industry. The main objective is to develop food items tailored to meet the specific nutritional requirements of the elderly, focusing on immune system functions, and prevention of sarcopenia. Moreover, the research activity is designed to offer a deeper understanding of food matrix interactions, optimizing nutrient absorption, while ensuring the acceptability of newly developed food products in terms of psychological attitudes and sensory characteristics. Methods: In-depth research into daily dietary preferences of the elderly guides the formulation of products; this includes the optimization of nutritional characteristics, complemented by microbiological and technological interventions to enhance nutrient bioavailability and tailor food textures to accommodate chewing abilities. In addition, in vitro digestion methods are included to assess nutrient bioaccessibility and the acceptability of products is verified by a consumer panel. Results: The project will result in the formulation of beverages, puddings, bakery products, protein bars, and savory options suitable for breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner to tackle nutritional deficiencies commonly found in elderly. Conclusions: Integrating microbiological and technological innovation, coupled with a deep psychological understanding of elderly nutrition, the project introduces a progressive strategy to address health challenges associated with aging, thus demonstrating a commitment to elevate the quality of life for the aging population through dietary enhancements. The study will introduce innovative food solutions into mainstream retail outlets such as supermarkets, aligning with the established purchasing habits of the elderly.