Blueberry Concentrate Improves Brain Function in Older People

07 Mar 2017 --- New research from the University of Exeter has found that drinking concentrated blueberry juice improves the brain function in older people. The new findings may present the nutrition industry with a potential new product for the growing silvers market.

In the study, healthy people aged 65-77 who drank concentrated blueberry juice every day showed improvements in cognitive function, blood flow to the brain and activation of the brain while carrying out cognitive tests. There was also evidence suggesting improvement in working memory.

Dr Joanna Bowtell, head of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter, said: “Our cognitive function tends to decline as we get older, but previous research has shown that cognitive function is better preserved in healthy older adults with a diet rich in plant-based foods.”

“In this study we have shown that with just 12 weeks of consuming 30ml of concentrated blueberry juice every day, brain blood flow, brain activation and some aspects of working memory were improved in this group of healthy older adults.”

John Carey, Director of CherryActive Limited, told NutritionInsight that the blueberry concentrate used in the study, BlueberryActive, is 100% concentrated blueberry juice. 

“This is obviously classed at food, not a drug,” he says, “but the research highlights the potential benefit of including this blueberry juice in your diet for memory and cognition.”

“A number of other research studies have added further evidence to blueberries having beneficial effects to this regard,” he continues, adding “This new research should help nutritionists decide on diet advice for clients with memory and cognition issues.”

Of the 26 healthy adults in the study, 12 were given concentrated blueberry juice - providing the equivalent of 230g of blueberries - once a day, while 14 received a placebo.

Before and after the 12-week period, participants took a range of cognitive tests while an MRI scanner monitored their brain function and resting brain blood flow was measured.

Compared to the placebo group, those who took the blueberry supplement showed significant increases in brain activity in brain areas related to the tests.

The study excluded anyone who said they consumed more than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and all participants were told to stick to their normal diet throughout.

The cognitive health area is a rapidly growing one in the nutrition market, especially as the world continues to face an increasingly aging population.

Previous research has shown that a higher fruit and vegetable intake in general reduces risk of dementia, and cognitive function is better preserved in healthy older adults with a diet rich in plant-based foods. Flavonoids, which are abundant in plants, are likely to be an important component in causing these effects.

Speaking previously with NutritionInsight about cognitive health and the older generation, Margaret Gomes, Director of Marketing at NP Nutra, explained how, “with the aging process comes a natural decline in brain and liver function and a consequent increase in age-related illnesses such as dementia.”

She added that, “in 2012 the World Health Organization estimated that 35.6 million people were suffering from dementia and this figure is set to double by 2030.”

“In response, brain and liver health has increased dramatically over the last few years as people become aware and try to take steps to improve their brain and liver health,” she said, adding, “Functional foods, beverages and dietary supplements naturally become the focus of their attention.”

However, the cognitive health trend expands further than just the silvers market. Maider Gutierrez, Marketing Manager of Frutarom Health BU, also previously explained how mental health is a key therapeutic area within the herbal medicinal at the moment.

“We see an increasing demand for natural solutions to enhance cognitive performance,” she said.

“It is becoming extremely important to maintain an optimum cognitive function, especially in stressful situations, which have become a normal part of our society.”

“More and more people perceive increasing levels of stress, which, in the long run, could lead to health issues.”

“Traditional plants can be a safe and natural solution to support an optimum cognitive function and their popularity will grow as the demand for natural products do.”

Regarding how blueberries can play a part in the cognitive health trend, Carey finalized, “Blueberries have a unique and complex phytonutrient make up.”

“Other food and supplement products may help memory and cognition, but these need to be evaluated on their current evidence.”

By Hannah Gardiner

To contact the editor of this article, please email hannah@cnsmedia.com