ABSORB (Amount of Blueberries So Older Adults Reap Benefits)

Hebrew SeniorLife6 enrolled

Overview

This randomized, cross-over, pilot study aims to compare preliminary impact of a standard dose of blueberry powder (24 g) vs a higher dose (48 g) on the bioavailability of flavonoids and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults with minor levels of depressive symptoms.

Blueberries are a rich source of anti-oxidants and dietary fiber, and are recommended to consume as a part of a healthy diet. Regular consumption of blueberries as a source of dietary antioxidants may be an effective way to lower inflammation in older adults, who commonly have higher levels of inflammatory markers. However, older adults typically have a decreased efficiency of nutrient absorption and may need a higher dose of blueberries to absorb enough of the flavonoids needed to reap their benefits on inflammation. Thus, it is important for preliminary studies to pre-determine an appropriate dose of blueberry flavonoids specifically for older adults. This study aims to evaluated the preliminary impact of freeze-dried blueberry powder consumption on flavonoid bioavailability and inflammatory biomarkers in older adults. This will be an individual-level, unblinded, randomized, cross over pilot study in 5 older adults with minor levels of depressive symptoms. Eligible participants will collect a 24 hour urine sample, and then come in for the baseline assessments and provide a blood sample. Next they will be randomized to consume either the higher dose (48 g/day, equivalent \~ 2 cups of fresh blueberries) or the lower dose (24 g/day, equivalent \~1 cup of fresh blueberries) for 3 days. After 3 days they will begin collecting a 24 hour urine sample, and come in to repeat the baseline assessments and provide a blood sample. After a two week wash out period, participants will repeat the same baseline and follow-up assessments while consuming the other powder.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Depressive Symptoms Aging

Interventions

Freeze-dried Blueberry PowderOTHER

Three day consumption of two doses of freeze-dried blueberry powder

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 65 years and older * Minor levels of depressive symptoms (center for epidemiological studies depression scale, ≥4 and \<16 points) Exclusion Criteria\*: * Unwilling to follow the study protocol * Cognitive impairment (assessed via the telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment) defined as individuals scoring \<19) * Self-reporting a history of major depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other psychotic or neurologic disorders * Self-reporting of history gastro-intestinal diseases/conditions e.g., of bowel resection, inflammatory bowel disease/syndrome, Celiac disease * Self-reporting immune disorders, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other immunocompromising conditions * Self-reporting history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes * Self-reporting any history of substance or alcohol use disorder * Allergy to blueberries * Self-reporting use of anti-inflammatory (e.g., fish oil or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or immune-suppressant drugs * Are excessive tea or coffee consumers (e.g., \>3 cups/day) * Recent and consistent use of antibiotics * Currently taking or advised during the intervention to take anti-depressants * Current homicidal or suicidal ideation (assessed via the P4 Suicidality Screener * All deviations must be approved by the study sponsor

Locations (1)

Hebrew Rehabilitation Center

Roslindale, Massachusetts, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Urinary Flavonoid Biomarkers

Change in total flavonoid metabolites found in the urine. The values for the metabolites represent the relative abundance of each metabolite, rather than absolute quantification, with higher values reflecting higher levels of total flavonoid metabolites in the urine.