Study Reveals Blueberries Boost Infant Immunity and Gut Health

Recent research from the University of Colorado Anschutz has highlighted the potential health benefits of introducing blueberries to infants early in life. The study suggests that feeding infants blueberries can play a significant role in strengthening their immune systems, alleviating allergy symptoms, and promoting healthy gut microbiota development. The research involved a rigorous double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 61 infants aged five to twelve months in Denver. Participants consumed either freeze-dried blueberry powder or a placebo daily, with parents incorporating it into their child's diet in a safe manner—pureeing for younger infants, or mashing and cutting into small pieces for older babies and toddlers to prevent choking. Key findings demonstrated that infants consuming blueberry powder experienced improvements in allergy symptoms, reduced inflammation, and shifts in gut microbiota favorable for immune health. Blood and stool samples collected over two months showed beneficial changes in immune biomarkers and gut bacteria, indicating a stronger immune response and better gut health. According to senior author Minghua Tang, Ph.D., even small daily servings of blueberries could support long-term health during a critical developmental window, emphasizing the importance of early dietary choices. The study underscores the need for further exploration into other early foods that can foster gut and immune health, providing valuable guidance for parents on nurturing their infants’ well-being.

Published in Nutrients and Frontiers in Nutrition, this pioneering research offers concrete evidence that blueberries can be an effective, natural strategy to promote infant health. The authors recommend pureeing blueberries for young infants and gradually increasing their intake to ensure safety and maximize benefits.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-blueberries-infants-immunity-gut-health.html