Daily blueberries linked to fewer depression symptoms in small study
Researchers gave older volunteers daily blueberry powder for three months and found larger drops in depressive symptoms, along with shifts in gut microbes.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
What happened
A small study followed older adults who ate blueberry powder every day for three months. Those taking the fruit showed bigger declines in depressive symptoms, and scientists also observed changes in enzymes produced by gut microbes. Researchers remain uncertain about the results, citing questions about the control group and the study's size.
Why it matters
Because the study is small, researchers are not yet sure whether blueberries could help mood.
Timeline
- Oct 18, 8:00 AM ET: A small study reported that older adults who ate blueberries daily for three months had greater reductions in depressive symptoms and changes in gut microbial enzymes.
- Oct 20, 12:32 PM ET: Researchers raised questions about the placebo and the study's size, leaving them unsure whether blueberries merit further attention.
Coverage
- Can Blueberries Improve Your Mood? A New Study Finds Intriguing Clues in the Gut (Yahoo News)
- This Specific Hobby Might Ease Your Depression, New Study Finds (womenshealthmag.com)
- Eating blueberries every day may have a surprising effect on your mood (sciencedaily.com)
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