NCT05937165

ABSORB (Amount of Blueberries So Older Adults Reap Benefits)

Acute Bioavailability of Berry Flavonoids and Impact on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Older Adults With Minor Depressive Symptoms: A Pilot Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 6 (actual)
• Sponsor: Hebrew SeniorLife · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

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.

Conditions

• Depressive Symptoms
• Aging

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder	Three day consumption of two doses of freeze-dried blueberry powder

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-10-31
• Primary completion: 2024-11-25
• Completion: 2024-11-25
• First posted: 2023-07-10
• Last updated: 2025-12-15
• Results posted: 2025-12-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States