Study shows blueberries may support infant gut health and immune development
A new randomized controlled study suggests introducing blueberries as one of infants’ first solid foods might support the development of beneficial gut bacteria, modulate immune function, and help manage allergy-related symptoms.
The findings come from two separate studies conducted at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and published in Nutrients and Frontiers in Nutrition. According to a press release by the university, the study is the first of its kind to test the effects of blueberries on infant health using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
One of the studies monitored 61 breastfed infants aged 5 to 12 months who were given either a daily 10-gram serving of freeze-dried blueberry powder, the equivalent of about 2 ounces of fresh blueberries, or a placebo. Caregivers mixed the powder into purees or breast milk.
Researchers found that infants who consumed blueberry powder tended to have greater gut microbiota diversity compared with the placebo group. They also had more potentially beneficial bacteria and fewer bacteria linked to illness and allergies.
The second study examined the effects of the fruit's powder on allergy symptoms and immune markers. Infants consuming blueberry powder showed improved symptoms and fewer new allergies compared with the placebo group.
The study also noted changes in immune biomarkers, including lower levels of a pro-inflammatory cytokine and higher levels of an anti-inflammatory cytokine.
“These findings suggest that introducing blueberries, in freeze-died powder form during complementary feeding may potentially provide infants meaningful benefits in shaping a healthier gut and immune system,” said Minghua Tang, Ph.D., principal investigator of the study.
The authors noted limitations including the small sample size, lack of follow-up, and the fact that whole blueberries were not tested due to choking risks. They said further research is needed to assess long-term effects into childhood and adulthood.
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