Blueberry Compounds for Healthy Eating

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Metabolic disorders, Digestive disorders, Immunologic disorders, Allergy to blueberries, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 2 weeks

12 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial studies how well a group of compounds found in blueberries called anthocyanins are absorbed into the body from 2 different types of blueberry confections (blueberry extract and whole blueberry powder). Blueberries contain several compounds which may be beneficial for human health and prevention of disease. These compounds can be consumed as part of a complex matrix in the whole fruit or also in a simplified matrix in the form of a fruit extract. Studying the absorption and metabolism of these compounds may help researchers understand how they influence health and disease, as well as determining the role of the food matrix on absorption of berry phytochemical.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require participants to follow a berry-restricted diet and document any accidental consumption of restricted foods.

Is blueberry powder safe for human consumption?

Research shows that consuming blueberries and blueberry powder is generally safe for humans. Studies in healthy adults found no significant adverse effects, and a study on rats consuming blueberry leaf powder also indicated safety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the Blueberry Powder Food Product treatment differ from other treatments for healthy eating?

The Blueberry Powder Food Product is unique because it utilizes the natural compounds found in blueberries, such as anthocyanins and polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike other treatments, this powder form allows for a stable, shelf-life-stable product that retains the health benefits of fresh blueberries, making it a convenient option for promoting overall health. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Research Team

Yael Vodovotz

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy, non-smoking adults with a BMI of 18-35 who are not pregnant, planning to conceive, or lactating. Participants must not have any metabolic, digestive or immunologic disorders and no allergies to blueberries, wheat, or soy. They should agree to avoid berries during the study and report any accidental intake.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy adult living independently.

Have a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 35 kg/m^2

Agree to follow a berry-restricted diet and to document any accidental consumption of restricted foods each day of the study

Exclusion Criteria

Are strict vegans (no consumption of animal, fish or egg products)

I have taken antibiotics for a week in the past 6 months.

I am currently being treated for a condition affecting my metabolism, digestion, or immune system.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Washout

Participants undergo a washout period to clear previous dietary influences

1 week

No visits

Treatment

Participants consume blueberry extract or powder confections and undergo metabolomic assessments

2 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for bioavailability and metabolite profile after treatment

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Blueberry Powder Food Product

Trial Overview The study is testing how well compounds called anthocyanins from blueberries are absorbed when consumed as part of two different confections: one made from blueberry extract and another from whole blueberry powder. The goal is to understand their impact on health and disease prevention.

Participant Groups

Group I: Group II (blueberry powder, blueberry extract) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Participants undergo a washout on days -7 to -1 and then consume blueberry powder confection on day 0. Participants undergo a second washout on days 1-7 and then consume blueberry extract confection on day 8.

Group II: Group I (blueberry extract, blueberry powder) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Participants undergo a washout on days -7 to -1 and then consume blueberry extract confection on day 0. Participants undergo a second washout on days 1-7 and then consume blueberry powder confection on day 8.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

350

Recruited

295,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 37 young adults, both whole blueberries and freeze-dried blueberry powder did not show significant differences in improving cardiovascular health compared to a control group, indicating that the form of blueberry may not matter for cardiovascular benefits.

However, both blueberry treatments improved plasma nitrite levels significantly compared to baseline, suggesting a potential positive effect on vascular function, even though other cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels did not show significant changes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Cardiovascular Health in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Over Randomised Controlled Trial. Wang, Y., Gallegos, JL., Haskell-Ramsay, C., et al.[2022]

Wild blueberry powder retains a significant amount of its health-promoting anthocyanins in ice pops and refrigerated juice, with both products maintaining over 90% of their initial anthocyanin content after 8 weeks of storage.

The stability of polyphenolic compounds varies by product, with gummies showing much lower retention of anthocyanins (43-51%) compared to other formulations, likely due to gel hardening affecting extraction efficiency at lower temperatures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Changes in Polyphenolics during Storage of Products Prepared with Freeze-Dried Wild Blueberry Powder. Lavefve, L., Brownmiller, C., Howard, L., et al.[2020]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Blueberry Consumption on Cardiovascular Health in Healthy Adults: A Cross-Over Randomised Controlled Trial. [2022]

2. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Blueberry fruit valorization and valuable constituents: A review. [2022]

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

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

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Changes in Polyphenolics during Storage of Products Prepared with Freeze-Dried Wild Blueberry Powder. [2020]

5. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Subchronic toxicity evaluation of leaves from rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum Aiton) in rats. [2020]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

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

Wild blueberry polyphenol-protein food ingredients produced by three drying methods: Comparative physico-chemical properties, phytochemical content, and stability during storage. [2018]

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

A dark purple multifunctional ingredient from blueberry pomace enhanced with lactic acid bacteria for various applications. [2022]