New research suggests that daily doses of blueberries may help alleviate allergic symptoms in babies and improve immune markers, echoing findings seen in adults that blueberries can benefit gut health and reduce inflammation.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz and Children’s Hospital Colorado, the study aimed to explore whether introducing blueberries as a first solid food could bolster infants’ immune systems, lessen allergic reactions, and aid in healthy gut development. This research, published in the journals Nutrients and Frontiers in Nutrition, received funding from both the Highbush Blueberry Council and a grant from the U.S. Institute of Health.
The study involved 61 infants aged five to twelve months from the Denver area. Parents were instructed to provide either freeze-dried blueberry powder or a placebo alongside their regular feeding routines each day.
The Blueberry Group mixed packets containing around 10 grams of the freeze-dried blueberry powder—equivalent to about two ounces of fresh blueberries—into purees or breast milk. Researchers collected stool and blood samples to monitor changes in the infants’ gut bacteria, immune biomarkers, and allergy-related outcomes while also tracking overall growth and dietary habits.
Findings over the course of 12 months indicated that infants in the blueberry group experienced fewer new respiratory issues and showed better allergy resolution compared to those in the placebo group. Furthermore, they exhibited reduced inflammation, stronger immune responses, and positive alterations in gut microbiota—all of which could support a more effective immune system.
According to Minhua Tang, a senior author and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado, this study reinforces the notion that blueberries can play a significant role in health. “Just a few blueberries a day can make a real difference for long-term wellness,” she remarked. “We see early childhood as a key period, and what we introduce during this time can have lasting effects as children grow.”
However, Tang noted that finding solid foods for infants can be challenging for parents. The research could help bridge existing gaps by providing concrete data on the benefits of specific foods like blueberries for infant health.
Blueberries are notably rich in anthocyanins, natural compounds responsible for their vibrant color. Previous studies indicate that these anthocyanins might help alleviate inflammation and promote robust immune responses.
That said, the researchers acknowledged the limits of their trial, which was small and had some reliance on parent-reported outcomes. More extensive studies are necessary to identify precisely which blueberry components contribute to these effects and if other foods might offer similar advantages.
The research team included collaborators from Colorado State University, Umeå University in Sweden, and University College Cork in Ireland.
