The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of daily supplementation of freeze-dried blueberry to modulate inflammation-driven lack of motivation in 40 sedentary, older adults with depressive symptoms.
The investigators will conduct a 14 week, single-site, randomized, double-blind, parallel pilot study in 40 sedentary, older adults with depressive symptoms. Participants will first enter a 2-week washout period where they will avoid consumption of foods high in fiber and anthocyanins (e.g., blueberries) and will also be wearing an activity monitor. Participants will then be randomized to consume either 48 g of freeze-dried blueberry powder (\~600 mg of anthocyanins and \~8 g of fiber) or 48 g of a nutritionally matched placebo powder (devoid of anthocyanins and fiber) each day for a total of 12 weeks. At baseline, participants will be undergo assessments for mood/well-being, relevant symptoms, motivation to engage in physical activity, and provide a blood sample for the evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers. For the entire duration of the study, participants will continue to wear the activity monitor. After 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of consuming the powder there will be study visits that assess mood/well-being, relevant symptoms, motivation to engage in physical activity and compliance with the intervention. Additionally, a blood sample for the evaluation of inflammatory makers will be taken after 6 and 12 weeks of the intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
33
Participants will be asked to consume 48 grams of freeze-dried blueberry powder (\~ equivalent to 2 cups of fresh blueberries) daily for 12 weeks. Participants will be asked to save any powder packet wrappers as a means to measure compliance. They will also be instructed to avoid consumption of foods/beverages that are high in anthocyanins and/or fiber.
Participants will be asked to consume 48 grams of a nutritionally matched placebo powder (that does not contain fiber or anthocyanins) daily for 12 weeks. Participants will be asked to save any powder packet wrappers as a means to measure compliance. They will also be instructed to avoid consumption of foods/beverages that are high in anthocyanins and/or fiber.
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center
Roslindale, Massachusetts, United States
Change in Engagement in Physical Activity
Defined as change between an approximate 2-week median daily-step count prior to baseline and prior to 12 week follow-up
Time frame: Change between baseline and 12 week follow-up
Study Recruitment Feasibility
Participant retention (e.g., the number of participants that complete the intervention out of all participants randomized to an intervention arm)
Time frame: Through study completion, approximately 6 months
Change in Motivation
Motivation to engage in physical activity will be assessed via self-report questionnaire, Motives for Physical Activities Measure-Revised (range 0-30 points, with higher scores indicating higher levels of motivation).
Time frame: Change between baseline and 12 week follow-up
Change in Inflammatory Marker - C-Reactive Protein
C-reactive protein (mg/L) will be measured in blood collected from participants.
Time frame: Change between Baseline and 12 week follow-up.
Change in Inflammatory Marker - Interleukin-6
Interleukin-6 (pg/mL) will be measured in blood collected from participants. If values were above the standard curve in the ELISA kit (n= 2 samples), then the highest standard concentration was used as the value.
Time frame: Change between Baseline and 12 week follow-up
Change in Inflammatory Marker - Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Brain derived neurotrophic (ng/mL) factor will be measured in blood collected from participants.
Time frame: Change between Baseline and 12 week follow-up
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.