Volunteers Sought for Wild Blueberry Study
Contact: Ann Barker, Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 207-581-1733
ORONO, Maine — University of Maine Food Science and Human Nutrition graduate student Ann Barker is looking for volunteers to participate in a study examining how wild blueberries affect cholesterol levels and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Volunteers must be at least 30 years old and have borderline-to-high serum LDL cholesterol levels (between 130 and 189 mg/dl). Persons who smoke, or who have diabetes or heart disease, are not eligible to participate in the study.
USDA research has found that wild blueberries are higher in antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. Research at UMaine has demonstrated that wild blueberry consumption boosts antioxidant levels in human volunteers and improves blood vessel flexibility and blood pressure in rats.
Volunteers will be asked to come to the university four times for analyses and to follow a low-fat diet. Half of the volunteers will also be asked to consume two half-cup servings of wild blueberries every day for eight weeks. Berries have been provided by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. Volunteers will receive free medical analyses and diet counseling, as well as $100 compensation for completing the study.
More information is available from Barker at 581-1733.