Blueberries for Children's Health

Overseen By Jill A Gassaway, BS

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 5 days

44 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that pre-existing medical conditions or medications that could affect the study's outcomes may exclude you from participating.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment involving wild blueberry containing foods for children's health?

Research shows that wild blueberries, rich in anthocyanins and other beneficial compounds, may improve cognitive function and mood in children, and have various health benefits like reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. Additionally, children generally enjoy consuming blueberry-containing foods, which helps ensure they receive these benefits. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe for children to consume foods containing wild blueberry powder?

Research suggests that foods containing wild blueberry powder are generally safe for consumption, as they are rich in beneficial compounds like anthocyanins and have been tested for sensory acceptability in children. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

How does the wild blueberry treatment differ from other treatments for children's health?

The wild blueberry treatment is unique because it uses foods containing blueberry powder to deliver bioactive phytonutrients like anthocyanins, which are known for their health benefits, including potential cognitive and mood improvements in children. Unlike standard treatments, this approach focuses on incorporating blueberries into everyday foods to enhance both nutritional and sensory appeal, making it easier for children to consume regularly. ^{1 2 4 5 7}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a research study about the effects of blueberries on the health of children who do not eat much fruits and vegetables. By doing this study, we hope to find out what nutrients from blueberries appear in the blood and urine of the child

Research Team

Eva C Diaz, MD

Principal Investigator

Arkansas Children's Reserach Institute

Eligibility Criteria

The Blueberry Study is for children of all ethnicities and BMIs who eat less than 1.5 cups of fruit and fewer than 2 cups of vegetables per day. It's not for kids with blueberry allergies, epilepsy, asthma, kidney or hormonal diseases, bleeding disorders, chronic infections, diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2), ADHD, ODD, ASD or other significant health issues that could affect the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Eats less than 1.5 cups of fruit and less than 2.0 cups of vegetables per day

All BMIs

All ethnicities

Exclusion Criteria

Parent or child refusal to have blood drawn

Known allergy to blueberries

Autistic spectrum disorder

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 30 grams of wild blueberry powder per day in food items for 5 days

5 days

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

up to 2 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Placebo containing foods
• Wild blueberry containing foods

Trial Overview This study tests the effects of wild blueberries on children's health by comparing nutrients found in blood and urine after eating foods containing either wild blueberries or a placebo. The goal is to understand how these nutrients from blueberries are absorbed by children.

Participant Groups

Group I: Wild Blueberry Supplement Active Control 1 Intervention

30 grams of wild blueberry powder per day in foods items provided to them

Group II: Placebo supplement Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Food items will be provided to them without the wild blueberry power.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

141

Recruited

5,025,000+

References

1. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Children's liking and wanting of foods vary over multiple bites/sips of consumption: A case study of foods containing wild blueberry powder in the amounts targeted to deliver bioactive phytonutrients for children. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Moderate consumption of freeze-dried blueberry powder increased net bone calcium retention compared with no treatment in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized crossover trial. [2023]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Molecular Mechanism and Health Role of Functional Ingredients in Blueberry for Chronic Disease in Human Beings. [2023]

4. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of daily consumption of wild blueberry on cognition and urinary metabolites in school-aged children: a pilot study. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins. [2023]

6. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) drink intervention on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial function in humans with cardiovascular risk factors. [2021]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of blueberry feeding on plasma lipids in pigs. [2016]