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Eating Blueberries Linked to Subtle Gut Changes and Signs of Mood Improvement
SciTechDaily • • science
Key Points:
- A three-month pilot study in adults aged 65 and older with mild depressive symptoms tested daily consumption of blueberry powder equivalent to two cups of fresh berries against a placebo.
- Participants consuming blueberry powder showed subtle changes in gut microbial genes related to neurotransmitter production and a greater, though not statistically significant, reduction in depressive symptoms compared to placebo.
- No significant changes were observed in overall microbial species abundance, metabolic pathways, or short-chain fatty acids in stool samples, indicating limited gut microbiome shifts.
- The study suggests a possible link between blueberry compounds, gut microbiome enzyme activity, and mood improvement, but the evidence remains preliminary and inconclusive.
- The trial was double-blind and involved 18 participants, highlighting the need for larger studies to confirm these findings and clarify the impact of blueberries on gut health and depression in older adults.
