Blueberry Powder for Depression

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byCourtney Millar, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Hebrew SeniorLife

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This study aims to investigate the impact of daily freeze-dried blueberry powder consumption on the gut microbiota, fecal short chain fatty acids, and depressive symptom severity in 40older, sedentary adults with depressive symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for sedentary adults aged 65 or older with mild depressive symptoms who sit for more than 8 hours a day. They must not be very active, have cognitive impairments, diabetes, recent probiotic or antibiotic use, substance abuse issues, severe psychiatric conditions like major depression or psychosis, nor can they be allergic to the study products.

Inclusion Criteria

I experience mild to moderate depression.

Self-reporting ≥ 8 hours of sitting per/day (e.g., sedentary behavior)

I am 65 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Presence of current homicidal or suicidal ideation (assessed via the P4 Suicidality Screener)

Unwilling to follow the study protocol

Presence of current psychosis (assessed via the Psychosis and Hallucinations Questionnaire, PHQ>12 points)

+11 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if consuming freeze-dried blueberry powder daily affects gut health and eases depressive symptoms compared to a placebo in inactive older adults. Participants will randomly receive either the blueberry powder or a placebo and their mood and gut health will be monitored.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Freeze-dried Blueberry PowderExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Randomized participants will be asked to consume 48 grams of freeze-dried blueberry powder each day for 12 weeks.

Group II: Placebo PowderPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Randomized participants will be asked to consume 48 grams of a nutritionally matched placebo powder devoid of fiber and anthocyanins each day for 12 weeks.

Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:

🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Freeze-dried Blueberry Powder for: