Effects of a nutraceutical multicomponent supplement (Vertilev®) in older people with chronic dizziness: a prospective, open-label, single-arm multicenter study

BACKGROUND: Chronic dizziness and postural instability are highly prevalent in the elderly population, affecting 10-30% of individuals over 65, substantially impairing quality of life and increasing fall risk. This condition, often called "presbystasis", arises from progressive deterioration of vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs and is frequently associated with central microcirculatory disturbances. Food supplements with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and metabolic properties may represent a promising therapeutic strategy. METHODS: (Levante Srl) 2 tablets/day for 90 days and were assessed at baseline (T0), and after 30, 60, and 90 days (T30, T60, and T90, respectively). Outcome measures included the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) total score and subscales (primary outcome), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for dizziness self-assessment, VAS for anxiety/mood, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. RESULTS: This study included 45 patients with chronic dizziness (aged ≥65 years; 20 males, 25 females). Statistically significant improvements were observed across all outcome measures during the 90-day follow-up period. The DHI total score decreased from 35.7±21.6 at T0 to 19.4±16.5 at T90, representing a 45.7% improvement (P<0.001). Significant reductions were observed in all DHI subscales at each time point. VAS dizziness decreased from 58.4±23.4 at T0 to 33.4±19.7 at T90 (P<0.001; Cohen's d=1.014). Tinetti total score improved from 19.3±5.9 at T0 to 21.8±5.5 at T90 (+13.1%; P=0.002; Cohen's d=0.457), and TUG improved from 11.9±2.9 s to 11.1±2.1 s at T90 (P=0.007; Cohen's d=0.228). Tolerability was excellent in all patients, with no adverse events reported. Forty of the 45 enrolled patients (88.9%) completed the T90 assessment; 5 patients withdrew from the study before the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: (Levante Srl) as a nutraceutical option in the management of presbystasis and chronic vestibular disorders in older people. These findings are exploratory; effects relative to placebo or usual care cannot be established from this design.