Additionally, the report notes that pain scores improved in the blueberry treatment group, as did scores assessing quality of life. However, these did not reach statistical significance.
The Nutrients study, sponsored by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, concluded: ,”
“The polyphenols and fiber components of blueberries appear to exert a wide range of beneficial effects independent of the sugar content implicit in both treatments,” the researchers said, highlighting the importance of this finding. There is.
beneficial fruit
Polyphenols are phytochemicals that are widely found in a wide range of plants and have been shown to provide an important source of antioxidants in our diets, as well as exhibit a variety of health benefits. Blueberries are one of the most studied sources of polyphenols. the study It is focused on its ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and improve cognition.
Although blueberries have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and membrane permeability reversing effects, research on their potential benefits for FGIDs is limited. Such conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD), have serious consequences. Penetration In many populations it is 10-15%. The disease is characterized by modulation of microbiome composition, intestinal permeability, and immune activation, all of which are known to be influenced by diet.
Therefore, polyphenol-rich blueberries are likely to show beneficial effects in people suffering from FGID, prompting researchers to conduct the current randomized controlled trial to understand the effects of consumption on related symptoms. did.
study
Researchers recruited 43 patients aged 18 to 60 suffering from FGID. Participants were randomly divided into equal groups of 10 and received either 30g of freeze-dried blueberries (equivalent to 180g of fresh blueberries) or a placebo in balanced blocks. The treatment period lasted for him 6 weeks, with a washout period of 2 to 4 weeks before he was transferred to the alternative treatment group.
Subsequent Gastrointestinal Clinical Rating Scale (GSRS) scores and measures of abdominal symptom relief were collected from participants and compared as primary endpoints. Furthermore, to understand the metabolic role of the gut microbiota, quality of life assessment, Bristol Stool Scale, and fructose breath test results were collated as secondary outcome measures.
We observed a significant increase in patients reporting symptom relief with blueberry treatment compared to placebo (53% vs. 30%).
Pain and abdominal signs and symptoms were found to improve overall, although these measurements did not reach statistical significance. Improvements in quality of life and functional scores were also observed after blueberry treatment when compared to placebo.
explained
Significant evidence collated by research suggests that polyphenol-rich blueberries can alleviate abdominal symptoms, while also improving general indicators of well-being and quality of life measures. This opens up a potential field of research to further investigate efficacy in dietary interventions for the treatment of FGD.
Regarding the mechanism of action, the report explains: “Through its polyphenol and sugar components, blueberries can modulate several mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of FGID, including inflammation, nerve sensitization, intestinal permeability, gut microbiota composition and metabolism. .”
Still, the researchers stress that “future studies that can dissociate in detail the effects of polyphenols, fiber, and sugars on the mechanisms involved in FGID will help provide guidelines for clinical treatment.” .
Source: Nutrients
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/10/2396
“Blueberries improve abdominal symptoms, health status, and function in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.”
Written by Clive H. Wilder-Smith, Andrea Materna, and Soren S. Olesen