Advancing Recovery in Sarcopenia: Insights from the IRIS Study

Sarcopenia—characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance—is a growing concern in aging populations, especially in rehabilitation settings. The IRIS study explores the impact of a muscle-targeted nutritional intervention (FortiFit® oral nutritional supplement) combined with an individualized physical rehabilitation program for older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia. This resource provides an overview of the study design, nutritional strategy, and key clinical outcomes, including improvements in independence, muscle mass, and earlier discharge from rehabilitation.

Designed for Healthcare Professionals in Geriatric and Rehabilitation Care

This resource is especially relevant for healthcare professionals working with older adults in hospital, rehabilitation, or community care settings. It is valuable for:

• Dietitians and nutritionists managing malnutrition and muscle loss

• Physicians, geriatricians, and rehabilitation specialists overseeing patient recovery

• Physiotherapists integrating nutrition and exercise for optimal patient outcomes

You will discover:

• Evidence on the efficacy of high-quality whey protein, leucine, and vitamin D for muscle health

• Results from a randomized, double-blinded trial showing significant improvements in the Barthel index, SPPB scores, gait speed, and muscle strength

• The importance of combining targeted nutrition with individualized exercise to accelerate recovery and reduce rehabilitation time

• Practical insights to implement multimodal interventions for better patient outcomes in routine clinical practice