Clinical Research Directory

The Acute Effects of Blueberries on Cognition and Mood in the Postpartum

Sponsor: University of Reading

Summary

Blueberries are an excellent source of natural substances (flavonoids) with well-documented health benefits. Previous research has shown that consuming a serving of blueberries can improve mood in children, healthy young adults, and young adults with depressive symptoms. These results are consistent with a growing body of evidence from human and animal studies indicating that blueberries can have a beneficial effect on brain function and mental health. The postpartum period represents a challenging period whereby mood disorders such as postpartum depression become increasingly prevalent, in addition to this, mothers and fathers often report poorer cognition during this time. Therefore, it is of interest to explore whether acute blueberry supplementation can benefit mood and cognition for parents during this sensitive time. The aim of the present study is to examine whether consuming a drink containing powdered blueberries can improve mood and cognition in parents in the 0-6 month postpartum. The design follows a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled cross over design. Participants will be invited to take part in an in-person study investigating a fruit drink on mood and cognition. Participants will come to the Nutrition-cognition lab at the Psychology department at the University of Reading for a screening session, after providing informed consent, participants will return a week later to attend a 3-hr visit during which they will receive either a blueberry or placebo drink and complete computer tasks and standardised questionnaires. Participants will then return a week later and complete the same procedure, consuming the other intervention drink.

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