Consuming blueberries reduces abdominal pain due to gastrointestinal disorders

In a recent study published in the journal nutrientsresearchers are investigating whether blueberry consumption can improve clinical outcomes, function, and overall quality of life in individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

study: Blueberries improve abdominal symptoms, health status, and function in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Image credit: Bukhta Yulii / Shutterstock.com

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FGID affects 10-15% of most populations and is often accompanied by functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although the specific mechanisms of FGID remain unclear, certain factors such as nervous system sensitization, intestinal permeability regulation, immune activation, and changes in the gut microbiota are interrelated, and dietary factors may considered to be affected.

The gut microbiota is thought to play an important role in many of the mechanisms of FGID. Additionally, dietary components can influence the gut microbiota through downstream epigenetic changes in the host.

One of the most common antioxidants found in foods are polyphenols, which are the most abundant metabolites in plants. Blueberries are rich in polyphenols, and various epidemiological and mechanistic studies have shown that regular consumption of blueberries is associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and improved visual and brain function. It is reported that there are.

However, despite the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and membrane permeability reversal effects of blueberries being beneficial for FGID patients, there are still no clinical studies in FGID patients investigating the effects of blueberry consumption. It is insufficient.

About research

In this study, researchers investigated the effects of blueberry consumption on laboratory values ​​and clinical symptoms of FGID. These results were compared to those of a placebo with a matching sugar composition but no polyphenols or dietary fiber.

FGID patients were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover, two-arm, single-center study. Caucasian male or female patients between the ages of 18 and 60 with IBS or functional dyspepsia within a specified body mass index (BMI) range were enrolled in the study.

Participants were excluded if there was evidence of other clinically significant disease on medical history, stool or blood tests, endoscopy, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. started taking any new medications during the study period, took probiotics or antibiotics 2 weeks before or during the study, was pregnant or breastfeeding, had a colonoscopy, or Those who planned to change their diet were excluded.

Various questionnaires were used to identify baseline demographic data, gastrointestinal, extra-gastrointestinal, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and assess dietary habits and personal history. Stool consistency was measured using the Bristol Stool Scale. In addition, a fructose breath test was used to measure the concentration of methane and hydrogen in breath, along with the occurrence of symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, borborygmus, and nausea.

The treatment used freeze-dried blueberry powder with measured nutritional content, while the control used a placebo of blueberry powder without polyphenols and fiber, with a matched sugar composition, and with a matched taste. . Both treatment and placebo were taken at 15g twice a day after meals.

Blueberries improve quality of life and abdominal pain in FGID patients

Approximately 53% of patients reported a reduction in abdominal pain symptoms after blueberry treatment, compared to 30% with placebo treatment. Total Gastrointestinal Clinical Rating Scale and pain scores were not significantly different between the blueberry treatment and placebo groups, but ratings of functioning and quality of life improved after blueberry treatment compared to placebo. Did.

Six weeks of blueberry treatment significantly improved abdominal pain symptoms. This was his one of her two main results investigated. Secondary outcomes such as functioning, quality of life, and overall well-being were also improved compared to placebo. These quality of life improvements may be partially influenced by the relief of gastrointestinal symptoms.

For other measures, the differences in treatment effects were not statistically significant. However, the reduction in abdominal pain and overall improvement in functional and quality of life scores after blueberry treatment compared to placebo indicates that the dietary fiber and polyphenol composition of blueberries, rather than sugar, is responsible for the beneficial effects. I did.

conclusion

The polyphenols and dietary fiber contained in blueberries significantly reduce abdominal pain and improve quality of life in FGID patients. Although other markers of gastrointestinal function were not significantly different between the blueberry treatment and placebo groups, the results suggest that the broad benefits conferred by the blueberry diet are not related to the sugar content of blueberries. Masu.