Blueberry supplementation may benefit older adults at increased risk of
dementia, according to new research. In a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial, researchers detected altered neuronal
activation following blueberry supplementation in older adults with Mild
Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The results suggest that anthocyanin-rich
berries may hold promise in supporting cognitive functions.
The participants were aged 68 and over and randomized to take
freeze-dried, whole fruit blueberry powder or a placebo powder every day
for 16 weeks. The daily dose was the equivalent of one cup of whole
blueberry fruit. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was
performed at baseline and the end of the study, while participants took a
working memory challenge to determine any alterations in brain
functions.
After 16 weeks, participants in the blueberry group demonstrated
significantly increased blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals in
two areas of the brain during the working memory challenge. The changes
in BOLD signals were of a large magnitude, suggesting that blueberry
powder modulated neuronal signaling and improved neurovascular function.
The changes were not accompanied by significant improvements in working
memory task performance. The authors propose that this might be due to
the small sample size, as only a total of 17 participants completed the
study.
The blueberry powder, sponsored by the US Highbush Blueberry Council,
was a mixture of 50 percent Vaccinium ashei Reade (Tifblue) and 50
percent V. corymbosum L (Rubel) blueberries.
This clinical trial was the first to detect altered neuronal activation
after blueberry supplementation in older adults with MCI. Numerous
studies support that anthocyanins are beneficial to health, however.
Concord grape juice, high-flavanol cocoa supplementation and Montmorency
cherries are all touted as holding health properties. Previous studies
on Montmorency tart cherries have ranged from heart health and exercise
recovery to sleep to potential gut health benefits.
Anthocyanins are red-pigmented flavonoids that give certain fruit and
vegetables their rich red, purple and blue colors. They are found in
berries, black soybean, black rice and cherries.
Additionally, anthocyanins may increase the function of the sirtuin 6
enzyme in cancer cells, according to a study from the University of
Eastern Finland. The regulation of this enzyme could open up new avenues
for cancer treatment. The findings were published in Scientific
Reports.
Source: Nutritioninsight
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