(LB02-01-26) Effects of Wild Blueberry Consumption on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Older Adults

Objectives: This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of wild blueberry (WB) consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults.

Methods: Fifty-seven adults aged 60-80 years were randomized to consume 24 g/day freeze-dried WB or placebo powder for 12 weeks. Cardiometabolic outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Baseline-adjusted ANCOVA was used as the primary analysis, with physical activity and dietary variables evaluated in sensitivity analyses.

Results: Baseline-adjusted ANCOVA showed no significant between-group differences after adjustment for baseline values, physical activity and multiple comparisons. However, favorable trends were observed in the WB group. Within-group analyses showed significant reductions in systolic BP (−5 mmHg, p = 0.042), LDL-C (−7 mg/dL, p = 0.047), and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (−0.13, p = 0.010) following WB consumption, whereas no significant changes were observed in the placebo group. An increase in fasting glucose was observed in exploratory within-group analyses of the WB group, although adjusted between-group differences were not significant.

Conclusions: WB consumption may improve selected cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly systolic BP and lipid profiles, in older adults. Although no significant between-group effects were observed, exploratory within-group analyses in the WB group showed reductions in systolic BP, LDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the modest sample size and lack of significant between-group differences after adjustment. Larger and longer-term studies are warranted.

Funding Sources: Wild Blueberry Association of North America