ABSORB (Amount of Blueberries So Older Adults Reap Benefits)
Purpose
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.
Conditions
- Depressive Symptoms
- Aging
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Over 65 Years
- Eligible Genders
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
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
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Crossover Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Other
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Active Comparator Standard Dose Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder |
Consumption of 24 g of freeze dried blueberry powder for 3 consecutive days. |
|
|
Experimental Higher Dose Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder |
Consumption of 48 g of freeze dried blueberry powder for 3 consecutive days. |
|
Recruiting Locations
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Hebrew SeniorLife
Study Contact
Detailed Description
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.
