Blueberries Boost Infant Immunity, Study Finds
Feeding blueberries to infants may strengthen their immune systems, reduce allergy symptoms, and support healthy gut development.
Why it matters
- First rigorous study on blueberries' impact on infant health.
- Offers data-backed advice for parents introducing solid foods.
By the numbers
- 61 infants aged 5 to 12 months participated.
- Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- Positive shifts in gut microbiota and immune response observed.
The big picture
- Blueberries may offer meaningful health benefits for infants.
- Infancy is a critical window for long-term health impacts.
What they're saying
- Praise for the study's rigorous design.
- Concerns about the journal's peer review process.
Caveats
- Study published in Frontiers, which has faced criticism for its peer review.
- Small sample size may limit generalizability.
What’s next
- Further research on other early foods' impact on gut health and immunity.