Blueberries can modify the gut microbiome in older adults with mild depression
A new pilot study found that older, sedentary adults who consumed blueberries daily showed a greater, more consistent reduction in depressive symptoms, along with minor changes in markers of gut microbial enzymes.
A small study explored the impact of daily blueberry consumption on gut microbiota enzymes in older, inactive adults grappling with mild depression. While the differences in depressive symptoms between those given blueberry powder and a placebo were not statistically significant, the preliminary data suggest potential benefits. The blueberry group exhibited altered gene abundance of certain enzyme commissions in their gut microbiota, specifically EC 3.6.3.31 Polyamine Transporting ATPase, which plays a role in producing the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
However, changes in microbial species and fecal short-chain fatty acids were not observed. The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, aimed to investigate the effects of blueberry intake on gut microbiota, metabolites, and depressive symptoms in this population.
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