Overview
This randomized, parallel-design trial will evaluate specific clinical and physiological effects of whole blueberries in adults 70 years of age or older.
Description
Although much is already known about the benefits of a healthy diet for the prevention of a wide range of chronic diseases, including the particular health benefits of anthocyanin-rich foods, these effects have been examined with much less frequency in older adults, who tend to be excluded from formal feeding studies and, until recently, have represented a small proportion of ongoing cohort studies. The proposed study will randomize approximately 46 women and 24 men, representative of the proportion of elderly women and men in the U.S. to consume either:
- 1 cup of frozen blueberries daily for 12 weeks
or
2. 2-3 dried dates daily for 12 weeks.
Dates were chosen as a control food because they contain negligible polyphenols, proportionately high caloric content, and a convenient form for storage. After the 12-week intervention, researchers will repeat in-person study assessments from baseline.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- 70 years old
- Independent-living
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cardiovascular event or procedure within 3 months of randomization
- AHA Class III-IV heart failure
- Intolerance or allergy to blueberries or dates
- History of gastric bypass surgery
- Any planned hospitalization or vacation in the ensuing 4 months
- Any current cancer treatment
- End-stage renal disease
- Any organ transplant
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c >9%
- Systolic blood pressure >200 mmHg
- Inability to provide personal informed consent (e.g. cognitive impairment)
- Investigator concern