The Effects of a Single Dose of Wild Blueberries on Mood and Cognition in Healthy Young Adults

The Effects of a Single Dose of Wild Blueberries on Mood and Cognition in Healthy Young Adults: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Study

This study aims to investigate whether consuming a drink containing powdered blueberries (equivalent to 150 g fresh fruit) can improve mood and cognition in healthy young adults. Blood biomarkers of inflammation and neurotransmitter turnover will be analyzed as well as responses to computer-based cognitive tasks designed to measure verbal memory, executive function, and emotional processing.

The present study will examine the psychological effects of a single dose of freeze-dried wild blueberries using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, crossover design. A total of 30 healthy young adults will consume two drinks: one containing 22 g blueberry powder and the other containing 22 g matched placebo powder in counterbalanced order one week apart. The investigators will assess changes in transient mood, cognitive-emotional function, and serum biomarkers of inflammation, neuroplasticity, and monoamine metabolism from baseline to 2 hours post-ingestion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 to 25 years of age
• Willingness to provide blood samples

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to blueberries or any other Vaccinium species
• Diagnosis or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions
• Any medically significant condition (e.g. anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes)
• Use of psychoactive medication or recreational drugs in the last two weeks
• Current use of medication that could interact with the intervention (e.g. antibiotics)
• Obesity or underweight
• Participation in other interventional studies in the last month
• Pregnancy or lactation