July is National Blueberry Month and in recognition of this today’s post will examine research related to the benefits of blueberry supplementation in children.

A group of researchers affiliated with the University of Reading in the United Kingdom designed a study to examine the potential benefits of blueberry supplementation in children. The researchers took a group of 7-10 year olds and administered a drink containing either 15 or 30 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberries, or a placebo drink. The researchers did their best to conceal from the participants the real blueberry drink from the placebo drink, using opaque cups and straws.

Children in the study were administered a variety of tests of cognitive performance, including the Auditory Verbal Learning Task, Modified Flanker Task, and Picture Matching Task tests.

Results of the study showed that wild blueberry supplementation led to significant improvement in cognition. The 30 gram supplemented group showed the best improvement in their performance compared to baseline, while the 15 gram supplemented group also showed improvement, but not as substantial as the 30 gram group.

Eating healthy blueberries seems a simple and low risk way to possibly improve cognitive performance, and celebrate National Blueberry Month at the same time.

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.

(Source- European Journal of Nutrition, October 5, 2015)