Protocol · Geriatric Health
Frailty Prevention and Management Protocol
Protein Supplements and Vitamin D are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Frailty Prevention and Management.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Protein Supplements | Amount listed: 1.2–1.5 g protein/kg body weight daily (include leucine-rich sources) | Essential for muscle maintenance; higher requirements in elderly; prevents sarcopenia | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 1,000–4,000 IU daily (higher if deficient) | Deficiency extremely common in frail elderly; affects muscle function, falls, bone health
| Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Creatine | Amount listed: 3–5 g daily | Supports muscle strength and function; may enhance benefits of resistance training in elderly | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory; may help preserve muscle mass and reduce inflammation associated with frailty | Not graded yet | ||
| HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) | Amount listed: 3 g daily | Leucine metabolite; may help preserve muscle mass in elderly; reduces muscle breakdown | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B12 | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mcg daily | Deficiency common in elderly; affects neurological function and energy | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Often deficient in elderly; supports immune function and wound healing
| Grade C for Functionality in Elderly or Injured61 people | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–200 mg daily | Supports cellular energy production; levels decline with age; may improve fatigue | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by decreased resilience and increased vulnerability to stressors. It's distinct from normal aging and represents a state where minor events (like an infection or medication change) can trigger major functional decline.
FRAILTY PHENOTYPE (Fried Criteria):
3 or more of:
- Unintentional weight loss (>10 lbs in past year)
- Self-reported exhaustion
- Weak grip strength
- Slow walking speed
- Low physical activity
STAGES:
- Robust (0 criteria)
- Pre-frail (1-2 criteria)
- Frail (3+ criteria)
RISK FACTORS:
- Advanced age
- Chronic diseases
- Polypharmacy
- Social isolation
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Poor nutrition
- Sedentary lifestyle
CONSEQUENCES:
- Falls and fractures
- Hospitalization
- Disability
- Need for long-term care
- Mortality
MOST IMPORTANT INTERVENTIONS:
1. Exercise - especially resistance/strength training
2. Nutrition - adequate protein and calories
3. Medication review - reduce polypharmacy
4. Comprehensive geriatric assessment
Protein* (1.2-1.5g/kg/day) is essential - elderly need MORE protein, not less.
Vitamin D* deficiency is extremely common and affects muscle function.
Creatine + resistance training* may have synergistic benefits.
Exercise is the MOST effective intervention* - even in very frail individuals.
Expected timeline: Frailty can be reversed, especially from pre-frail state. Improvements may be seen in weeks to months with consistent exercise and nutrition.