This study aims to investigate whether consuming a drink containing powdered blueberries (equivalent to 150 g of fresh fruit) can improve mood and executive function in healthy emerging adults.
The present study will examine the psychological effects of a single dose of freeze-dried wild blueberries using a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled design. A total of 80 participants will be randomly allocated to consume either a drink prepared with 22 g blueberry powder or a drink prepared with 22 g placebo powder matched for macronutrients, flavour and colour.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
80
22 g freeze-dried wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) powder mixed with 250 ml water.
22 g placebo powder matched for macronutrients, color, and flavor mixed with 250 ml water.
School of Psychology and Clinical Languages, University of Reading
Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
RECRUITINGPositive affect as measured by PANAS-X
Positive affect will be calculated by adding the values of the 21 positive items of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-X and the additional item "motivated". Thus, the scale will range from 0 to 88 points with higher scores indicating better mood.
Time frame: 1.5 hours post-ingestion
Negative affect as measured by PANAS-X
Negative affect will be calculated by adding the values of the 25 negative items of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-X. Thus, the scale will range from 0 to 100 points with higher scores indicating worse mood.
Time frame: 1.5 hours post-ingestion
Executive function (accuracy)
A task-switching test will be used to assess cognitive flexibility when switching between two predictable tasks requiring simple numerical decisions. The main outcome of interest is the average accuracy (0 to 100%).
Time frame: 1.5 hours post-ingestion
Reaction time
The average reaction time on correct trials of the task-switching test (in milliseconds).
Time frame: 1.5 hours post-ingestion
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