By Sophie Buchan,Swnsbeech steve Beech
Copyright dailyrecord
New research suggests that introducing blueberries to infants could lessen allergy symptoms and boost their gut health. The news comes after a pioneering clinical trial revealed early consumption of one key fruit may enhance immunity and promote enduring health benefits . American researchers advocate for blueberries as one of the initial solid foods for babies, citing potential boosts in immune system strength, reduced allergy symptoms and healthy gut development . To incorporate this “superfood” into younger infants’ diets safely, experts suggest pureeing the berries. For toddlers and older babies, it’s recommended to mash or chop the blueberries into tiny pieces to prevent any risk of choking . The groundbreaking study, featured in Nutrients and Frontiers in Nutrition, stands as the first to meticulously evaluate a particular food’s impact on infant health through a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Professor Minghua Tang of the said: “For parents beginning to wean their infants, it’s incredibly difficult to find solid, research-backed advice on what foods to introduce. “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.” The Denver-based study monitored 61 babies aged between five and 12 months. Each day, the young participants were given either freeze-dried blueberry powder or a placebo powder devoid of blueberries. Parents were able to nourish their little ones as usual, simply incorporating the powder into their everyday feeding regime. The research team gathered stool and blood specimens bi-monthly to track alterations in the babies’ gut microbes, immune system indicators and allergy-related results. Growth patterns and eating behaviours were also monitored throughout the study. Crucial discoveries revealed enhanced allergy symptoms in infants given blueberry powder, decreased inflammation and evidence of a more robust immune response, alongside “positive” changes to gut microbiota – modifications deemed advantageous for immune wellbeing. Prof Tang stated: “This research supports the idea that blueberries are not only safe for infants but also offer meaningful health benefits. Just a few blueberries a day could make a difference in supporting long-term health. We view infancy as a critical window of opportunity and what we introduce during this time can have lasting effects as children grow.” The scientific team continues investigating which other early-stage foods might bolster healthy gut bacteria and robust immunity as youngsters develop, aiming to provide improved recommendations for mums and dads.
