Anorexia of AgingSAVORNCT07636369
The SAVOR Study: Appetite and Physiological Responses
A study testing Shredded Chicken Congee in people with Anorexia of Aging and Malnutrition or Risk of Malnutrition, run by Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation at 1 site in Singapore.
Trial summary
The study aims to identify key physiological factors that differentiate older adults with healthy appetites from those experiencing appetite decline. The investigators hypothesize that seniors experiencing appetite decline will exhibit distinct oro-sensory, gastrointestinal, and hormonal profiles compared to seniors… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 to 74 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Anorexia of Aging, Malnutrition or Risk of Malnutrition
- What is being tested?
- Shredded Chicken Congee
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSingapore
- Study dates
- Jun 2026to Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 to 74 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Postmenopausal female
- Aged 65-74 years
- Habitual breakfast consumer (consumes breakfast between 7am to 10am)
- Willingness to consume meals and follow intervention protocol
- English speaking
Who cannot join
- BMI ≥ 27.5
- Diagnosed with medical condition that may influence appetite or microbiome (e.g. diabetes, thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal diseases)
- Currently taking any medications or supplements that may influence appetite or the microbiome (e.g. probiotics, antibiotics, appetite stimulants/suppressants) one month prior to their first visit in consultation with study physician, PI and study team
- Following a special diet for weight management (e.g. low-calorie, low carbohydrate)
- History of bariatrics surgery
- Intentional attempt to change body weight or composition
Show all 15Show fewer
- History of severe vasovagal syncope (blackouts or near faints) following blood draw
- Drug abuse within last 5 years
- Excessive alcoholic beverage consumption > 2 servings per day (1 serving defined as 360 mL beer, 150 mL wine or 45 mL distilled spirits)
- Smoking (cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, pipe, vape)
- Engaging in habitual vigorous physical activity (as defined by physical activity questionnaire-PAQ)
- Loose teeth or jaw pain
- Not missing > 2 non-wisdom molars
- Involvement in other clinical studies that may influence the outcome of the study
- A study team member or their immediate family member
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Ashley Yu, BSc contact
Singapore1 site
Clinical Nutrition Research Centre
Singapore
Darel Toh, PhD, 64074149, darel_toh@a-star.edu.sg
Rina Quek, MSc, rina_quek@a-star.edu.sg
About this study
Official title: Seniors' Appetite: Vibrant Opportunities for Revitalization (SAVOR)
The study aims to identify key physiological factors that differentiate older adults with healthy appetites from those experiencing appetite decline. The investigators hypothesize that seniors experiencing appetite decline will exhibit distinct oro-sensory, gastrointestinal, and hormonal profiles compared to seniors with healthy appetites, suggesting underlying biological mechanisms contributing to reduced appetite.
Read the detailed description
Appetite decline in older adults, or anorexia of aging, is a prevalent geriatric syndrome associated with decreased quality of life, increased risk of malnutrition, and accelerated decline in health. While current nutritional guidelines often emphasize increasing nutrient density, these strategies often fail to address the root causes of diminished appetite. Emerging research highlights the critical role of age-related physiological changes, particularly dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, altered sensory perception, and hormonal imbalances, in suppressing appetite. Notably, existing evidence is largely derived from Western populations, which may not fully reflect the influence of cultural and lifestyle factors on appetite in Asian seniors. This leaves a significant gap in understanding and addressing appetite loss within this specific demographic. This study aims to address this gap by comprehensively investigating the physiological mechanisms underlying appetite regulation in Asian seniors, to identify key determinants that differentiate individuals with healthy appetites from those experiencing a decline. By assessing the relationships between oro-sensory function, gastric dynamics, neuro-hormonal regulation, gut microbiome composition and subjective appetite, this study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the biological pathways driving appetite differences in this population. The findings of this study will lay the groundwork for future research aimed at developing culturally sensitive and effective interventions that can restore appetite, improve nutritional status, and ultimately enhance the health span and quality of life for older adults in Singapore and beyond. Furthermore, this work has the potential to drive innovation in the food and nutrition industry, leading to the development of tailored products and dietary strategies that effectively address the unique nutritional needs of aging populations, ultimately impacting public health recommendations and policies related to senior nutrition.
- Being tested
- Shredded Chicken Congee
- Keywords
- appetite decline, elderly, anorexia of aging, malnutrition, Asian seniors, appetite regulation
- Medical subject headings
- Malnutrition
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Shredded Chicken CongeeOther
This is a mixed meal tolerance test intended to elicit gut hormone responses reflective of real-world dietary patterns.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken porridge | Experimental | Rice congee with shredded chicken and vegetable oil Receives: Other: Shredded Chicken Congee |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Ad Libitum Lunch
Participants will be asked to eat as much of the stir-fried beehoon as they want until they are comfortably full, to measure the exact calorie intake by weighing the food before and after eating.
Measured: Participants will be given 30 minutes to consume the meal until they are comfortably full, 180 minutes after the start of the intervention.
Secondary outcomes (11)
Palatability questionnaire
Palatability appetite questionnaire, rated on a visual analogue scale is a psychometric assessment tool where participants rate their subjective sensory experience-such as taste, smell, or pleasantness-by marking a point along a continuous 100 mm line anchored by opposing extremes (e.g., "extremely unpleasant" to "extremely pleasant").
Measured: Administered after consuming test meal and after consuming the ad libitum meal.
Appetite hormones
GLP-1, PYY and Acyl-ghrelin will be used to measure hormones related to appetite.
Measured: Blood samples will be collected at timepoints (t = -15 minute (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes)
Subjective Appetite Questionnaire
A subjective appetite questionnaire utilizes a Visual Analogue Scale to quantify a person's current metabolic state by measuring four key sensations: hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption.
Measured: Measurement is taken at t = -15 minute (baseline), 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes
Gastric Ultrasound
Gastric ultrasound will measure the gastric emptying rate postprandially.
Measured: Measurements will be taken at t = -15 minute (baseline), 15, 45, 105 and 165 minutes
Stool collected using the OMNIgene and OMNImet
Stool sample will be collected in the OMNIgene-GUT and OMNImet-GUT tube for measurements that may include microbiome profiling, untargeted and targeted metabolome (e.g. bile acids and short-chain fatty acids profiling).
Measured: Baseline stool sample will be collected once between screening and intervention day.
Olfactory Acuity (SCENTinel)
Olfactory acuity will be assessed using a simple, non-invasive SCENTinel rapid smell test. Participants will be presented with test cards containing various odors, and will be asked to detect, rate, and identify the odors. The test assesses the participant's ability to perceive and recognize smells, providing information on their overall sense of smell.
Measured: Baseline measurement administered once during screening, takes approximately 5-10 minutes
Taste Acuity Test (WETT)
The Waterless Empirical Taste Test (WETT) is a sensory method for assessing how well participants can recognise and detect basic tastes. Participants will taste pre-moistened, paper-based test strips for the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
Measured: Baseline measurement administered once during screening, takes approximately 10-15 minutes
Blood plasma (Cytokines)
Blood samples may also be analyzed for indicators of inflammation including cytokines testing
Measured: t = -15 minute (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes
Blood plasma (Bile acids and short-chain fatty acids profiling)
Blood samples collected may be used to analyse biomarkers related to nutrition and digestive health e.g. bile acid and short-chain fatty acids profiling
Measured: t= -15 minute (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes
Bite Strength
Bite strength will be measured using a bite force device (non-invasive) that records the maximum force a participant can exert while biting. Multiple measurements will be taken with rest periods in between to prevent fatigue.
Measured: Baseline measurement that may be administered once during screening or test session, as schedule and equipment permits. Takes only a few minutes.
Tongue Strength (Tongue Pressure)
Tongue pressure will be measured using a device equipped with a disposable air-filled bulb placed between the tongue and the hard palate. Participants will be instructed to press the bulb with their tongue as firmly as possible for a few seconds. Multiple measurements will be taken with rest periods in between to ensure accuracy and prevent fatigue.
Measured: Baseline measurement that may be administered once during screening or test session, as schedule and equipment permits. Takes approximately 5 minutes.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Jun 2026
- Study startJun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionAug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionOct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (5)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Anorexia of AgingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Single-arm intervention
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Darel Toh, Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation
- Investigators
- Darel Toh, PhD, Principal investigator, Clinical Nutrition Research Centre
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07636369
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-133
- Acronym
- SAVOR
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 20 May 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Sturm K, MacIntosh CG, Parker BA, Wishart J, Horowitz M, Chapman IM. Appetite, food intake, and plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin, ghrelin, and other gastrointestinal hormones in undernourished older women and well-nourished young and older women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Aug;88(8):3747-55. doi: 10.1210/jc.2002-021656.
PubMed 12915664Dagbasi A, Warner J, Catterall V, Smith K, Crabtree DR, Carroll B, Frost G, Holliday A. Augmented gut hormone response to feeding in older adults exhibiting low appetite. Appetite. 2024 Oct 1;201:107415. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107415. Epub 2024 May 16.
PubMed 38761969Atalayer D, Astbury NM. Anorexia of aging and gut hormones. Aging Dis. 2013 Oct 1;4(5):264-75. doi: 10.14336/AD.2013.0400264.
PubMed 24124632Dagenais S, Fielding RA, Clark S, Cantu C, Prasad S, Groarke JD. Anorexia in Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries: A Claims-Based Analysis of Epidemiology and Mortality. J Nutr Health Aging. 2023;27(3):184-191. doi: 10.1007/s12603-023-1882-4.
PubMed 36973924Morley JE. Peptides and aging: Their role in anorexia and memory. Peptides. 2015 Oct;72:112-8. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.007. Epub 2015 Apr 17.
PubMed 25895851
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Seniors' Appetite: Vibrant Opportunities for Revitalization (SAVOR)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07636369
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SAVOR / 2025-133
- Keywords
- appetite decline, elderly, anorexia of aging, malnutrition, Asian seniors, appetite regulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology InnovationOther government
- Study start
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The study aims to identify key physiological factors that differentiate older adults with healthy appetites from those experiencing appetite decline. The investigators hypothesize that seniors experiencing appetite decline will exhibit distinct oro-sensory, gastrointestinal, and hormonal profiles compared to seniors with healthy appetites, suggesting underlying biological mechanisms contributing to reduced appetite.
Detailed description
Appetite decline in older adults, or anorexia of aging, is a prevalent geriatric syndrome associated with decreased quality of life, increased risk of malnutrition, and accelerated decline in health. While current nutritional guidelines often emphasize increasing nutrient density, these strategies often fail to address the root causes of diminished appetite. Emerging research highlights the critical role of age-related physiological changes, particularly dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, altered sensory perception, and hormonal imbalances, in suppressing appetite. Notably, existing evidence is largely derived from Western populations, which may not fully reflect the influence of cultural and lifestyle factors on appetite in Asian seniors. This leaves a significant gap in understanding and addressing appetite loss within this specific demographic. This study aims to address this gap by comprehensively investigating the physiological mechanisms underlying appetite regulation in Asian seniors, to identify key determinants that differentiate individuals with healthy appetites from those experiencing a decline. By assessing the relationships between oro-sensory function, gastric dynamics, neuro-hormonal regulation, gut microbiome composition and subjective appetite, this study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the biological pathways driving appetite differences in this population. The findings of this study will lay the groundwork for future research aimed at developing culturally sensitive and effective interventions that can restore appetite, improve nutritional status, and ultimately enhance the health span and quality of life for older adults in Singapore and beyond. Furthermore, this work has the potential to drive innovation in the food and nutrition industry, leading to the development of tailored products and dietary strategies that effectively address the unique nutritional needs of aging populations, ultimately impacting public health recommendations and policies related to senior nutrition.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Single-arm intervention
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken porridge | Experimental | Other: Shredded Chicken CongeeRice congee with shredded chicken and vegetable oil |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 to 74 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Postmenopausal female
- Aged 65-74 years
- Habitual breakfast consumer (consumes breakfast between 7am to 10am)
- Willingness to consume meals and follow intervention protocol
- English speaking
Key exclusion criteria (15 listed)
- BMI ≥ 27.5
- Diagnosed with medical condition that may influence appetite or microbiome (e.g. diabetes, thyroid disorders, gastrointestinal diseases)
- Currently taking any medications or supplements that may influence appetite or the microbiome (e.g. probiotics, antibiotics, appetite stimulants/suppressants) one month prior to their first visit in consultation with study physician, PI and study team
- Following a special diet for weight management (e.g. low-calorie, low carbohydrate)
- History of bariatrics surgery
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken CongeeThis is a mixed meal tolerance test intended to elicit gut hormone responses reflective of real-world dietary patterns. | Other | Chicken porridge |
Primary outcome
Ad Libitum Lunch
Time frame: Participants will be given 30 minutes to consume the meal until they are comfortably full, 180 minutes after the start of the intervention.
Participants will be asked to eat as much of the stir-fried beehoon as they want until they are comfortably full, to measure the exact calorie intake by weighing the food before and after eating.
11 secondary outcomes
Palatability questionnaire
Time frame: Administered after consuming test meal and after consuming the ad libitum meal.
Appetite hormones
Time frame: Blood samples will be collected at timepoints (t = -15 minute (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes)
Subjective Appetite Questionnaire
Time frame: Measurement is taken at t = -15 minute (baseline), 10, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes
Gastric Ultrasound
Time frame: Measurements will be taken at t = -15 minute (baseline), 15, 45, 105 and 165 minutes
Stool collected using the OMNIgene and OMNImet
Time frame: Baseline stool sample will be collected once between screening and intervention day.
Olfactory Acuity (SCENTinel)
Time frame: Baseline measurement administered once during screening, takes approximately 5-10 minutes
Taste Acuity Test (WETT)
Time frame: Baseline measurement administered once during screening, takes approximately 10-15 minutes
Blood plasma (Cytokines)
Time frame: t = -15 minute (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes
Blood plasma (Bile acids and short-chain fatty acids profiling)
Time frame: t= -15 minute (baseline), 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 minutes
Bite Strength
Time frame: Baseline measurement that may be administered once during screening or test session, as schedule and equipment permits. Takes only a few minutes.
Tongue Strength (Tongue Pressure)
Time frame: Baseline measurement that may be administered once during screening or test session, as schedule and equipment permits. Takes approximately 5 minutes.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Jun 2026.
- Background: PubMed 12915664Sturm K, MacIntosh CG, Parker BA, Wishart J, Horowitz M, Chapman IM. Appetite, food intake, and plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin, ghrelin, and other gastrointestinal hormones in undernourished older women and well-nourished young and older women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Aug;88(8):3747-55. doi: 10.1210/jc.2002-021656.
- Background: PubMed 38761969Dagbasi A, Warner J, Catterall V, Smith K, Crabtree DR, Carroll B, Frost G, Holliday A. Augmented gut hormone response to feeding in older adults exhibiting low appetite. Appetite. 2024 Oct 1;201:107415. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107415. Epub 2024 May 16.
- Background: PubMed 24124632Atalayer D, Astbury NM. Anorexia of aging and gut hormones. Aging Dis. 2013 Oct 1;4(5):264-75. doi: 10.14336/AD.2013.0400264.
- Background: PubMed 36973924Dagenais S, Fielding RA, Clark S, Cantu C, Prasad S, Groarke JD. Anorexia in Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries: A Claims-Based Analysis of Epidemiology and Mortality. J Nutr Health Aging. 2023;27(3):184-191. doi: 10.1007/s12603-023-1882-4.
- Background: PubMed 25895851Morley JE. Peptides and aging: Their role in anorexia and memory. Peptides. 2015 Oct;72:112-8. doi: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.007. Epub 2015 Apr 17.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Ashley Yu, BSc contact
Darel Toh, PhD principal investigator
Clinical Nutrition Research Centre
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Shredded Chicken Congee in people with Anorexia of Aging and Malnutrition or Risk of Malnutrition, run by Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation at 1 site in Singapore.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Singapore. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Rina Quek, MSc (64074379, rina_quek@a-star.edu.sg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Ad Libitum Lunch (time frame: Participants will be given 30 minutes to consume the meal until they are comfortably full, 180 minutes after the start of the intervention.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07636369, which also lists 5 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Jun 2026.