Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are major public health issues; however, there is an unmet need for novel effective and accessible treatments, particularly in rural communities. Blueberries are an unexplored nutraceutical for these conditions due to their excellent nutritional profile, with particularly high levels of polyphenols and anthocyanins and benefits on mood, cognition, and health. Therefore, we conducted a double-blind, randomized pilot study in a rural population. We employed a cross-over design to test the effects of 12 weeks daily ingestion of 24 g of whole freeze-dried blueberry powder versus placebo on symptoms of depression and anxiety in those diagnosed with depression and anxiety. We collected blood, serum, and plasma and behavior data (HDRS, GAD-7, MDI) at baseline, mid, and post treatment timepoints. We measured inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 in serum, CRP in whole blood, and performed global metabolomics in plasma. Our behavioral results indicate that blueberries significantly ameliorate symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to placebo, while our physiological results were inconclusive. Overall, this dissertation demonstrates positive behavioral improvements following daily blueberry supplementation, although the mechanisms underlying these improvements remain unresolved.

Date

7-13-2024

Committee Chair

Lee, Charles C.

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Available for download on Sunday, July 13, 2025

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