Wild blueberry intake and brain function in older adults
Longer-term Effects of Wild Blueberry Consumption on Brain Function in Older Men and Women
NA · Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT07177781
This trial will test whether regular wild blueberry powder taken over a longer period improves brain blood flow, brain insulin sensitivity, and thinking skills in overweight adults aged 60–75.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maastricht University Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Maastricht, Limburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT07177781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls overweight older adults (60–75 years) who will consume a controlled wild blueberry powder regimen for a longer-term intervention period. Primary outcomes focus on regional brain vascular function and brain insulin-sensitivity using cerebral blood flow measurements and related imaging techniques. Cognitive performance is measured as a secondary outcome using the CANTAB neuropsychological test battery. Participants are screened for metabolic and cardiovascular criteria and excluded for factors that would affect imaging or outcomes, such as berry allergy, diabetes, recent smoking, or left-handedness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Men and women aged 60–75 with BMI 25–35 kg/m2, fasting glucose below diabetic range, stable weight, and willingness to follow study restrictions (including pausing blood donation) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with diabetes, allergy to berries, current smokers, left-handed individuals (due to imaging requirements), or those with uncontrolled cardiovascular or metabolic conditions are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, regular wild blueberry intake could improve brain blood flow and insulin sensitivity and help preserve thinking and memory in older overweight adults.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies and some short-term trials have suggested cognitive benefits from blueberry intake, but longer, well-controlled trials focused on brain vascular and insulin function remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women, aged between 60-75 years * BMI between 25-35 kg/m2 (overweight or obese) * Fasting plasma glucose \< 7.0 mmol/L * Fasting serum total cholesterol \< 8.0 mmol/L * Fasting serum triacylglycerol \< 4.5 mmol/L * Systolic blood pressure \< 160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure \< 100 mmHg * Stable body weight (weight gain or loss \< 3 kg in the past three months) * Willingness to give up being a blood donor from 8 weeks before the start of the study, during the study and for 4 weeks after completion of the study. * No difficult venipuncture as evidences during the screening visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy or intolerance to berries * Left-handedness * Current smoker, or smoking cessation \< 12 months * Diabetic patients * Familial hypercholesterolemia * Abuse of drugs * More than 3 alcoholic consumptions per day * Use of products or dietary supplements known to interfere with the main outcomes as judged by the principal investigators * Use medication to treat blood pressure, lipid, or glucose metabolism * Use of an investigational product within another biomedical intervention trial within the previous 1-month * Severe medical conditions that might interfere with the study, such as epilepsy, asthma, kidney failure or renal insufficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, auto inflammatory diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. * Active cardiovascular disease like congestive heart failure or cardiovascular event, such as an acute myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident. * Contra-indications for MRI imaging (e.g., pacemaker, surgical clips/material in body, metal splinter in eye, claustrophobia)
Where this trial is running
Maastricht, Limburg
- Maastricht University, Departement of Nutrition and Movement Sciences — Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Peter P.J. Joris, PhD
- Email: p.joris@maastrichtuniversity.nl
- Phone: 0031883887250
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Brain Insulin-sensitivity, Brain Vascular Function, Cerebral Blood Flow, Cognitive performance, Brain insulin-resistance, Brain vascular function, Cerebral blood flow, Wild blueberry