Daily Wild Blueberry Intake Boosts Vascular and Cognitive Health in Older Adults
A clinical study conducted by researchers at King’s College London has revealed significant health benefits of daily consumption of wild blueberry (poly)phenols in older adults. The double-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial, involving 61 healthy individuals aged 65-80 years, underscores the positive impact of wild blueberry powder on vascular function, cognitive performance, and blood pressure.
Improved Vascular Function
The study observed a notable increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) among participants who consumed 26 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry (WBB) powder daily for 12 weeks. This improvement highlights the potential of wild blueberry polyphenols in enhancing endothelial function.
Reduced Blood Pressure
Participants in the WBB group experienced a significant reduction in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure by 3.59 mmHg, compared to the placebo group. This finding is particularly relevant for older adults, as it suggests a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Enhanced Cognitive Performance
The intake of WBB powder was associated with improved immediate recall in the auditory verbal learning task and better accuracy in task-switching activities, indicating enhanced episodic memory and executive functioning.
Increased Polyphenol Metabolites
Analysis of plasma and urinary (poly)phenol metabolites confirmed a significant increase in polyphenol excretion in the WBB group, supporting the bioavailability and metabolic impact of blueberry polyphenols.
Cerebral Blood Flow and Gut Microbiota Findings
While the study found no significant changes in cerebral blood flow or gut microbiota composition, the vascular and cognitive benefits suggest that the primary effects of wild blueberry polyphenols may be independent of these factors.
This study suggests that regular consumption of wild blueberry polyphenols can play a crucial role in promoting vascular health and cognitive function in older adults. The observed reduction in systolic blood pressure and improvement in cognitive tasks highlight the potential of these natural compounds in mitigating the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
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