A study by the University of Colorado Anschutz has found that a particular fruit can not only strengthen infants’ immune systems but also improve gut health.
Researchers published their findings in the journals Nutrients and Frontiers in Nutrition.
While blueberries are already considered a “super fruit” for adults, this is the first large-scale study examining their potential benefits for babies.
“This study is a critical first step in filling that gap by offering real data on how a specific food like blueberries can improve your infant’s health,” said Professor Minghua Tang, a paediatrics researcher who led the study.
For the trial, 61 babies aged between five and twelve months were given either freeze-dried blueberry powder or a placebo powder, with no changes made to their normal diets.
Every two months, researchers collected blood and stool samples from the infants to monitor gut health, immune function, and the potential development of allergies.
The team found that babies who consumed the freeze-dried blueberry powder showed improvements in allergy symptoms and a stronger immune response.
