Wild Blueberry Supplements and Brain Function
Contact: Dr. Mary Ellen Camire, Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 207-581-1733
Nick Houtman, Dept. of Public Affairs, 207-581-3777
ORONO, Maine — University of Maine scientists are seeking about 50 volunteers for a study of the effect of consuming wild blueberries on memory and other cognitive skills. Researchers Mary Ellen Camire, professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Michael Robbins, associate research professor of psychology, are testing healthy adults to determine whether wild blueberry supplements can improve brain function.
Animal research at Tufts University has demonstrated the benefits of wild blueberries on brain function in rats. Collaborating on the UMaine project are Eastern Maine Medical Center; Indian Meadows Herbals, a dietary supplement manufacturer in Eastbrook, Maine; and the British software firm Cognition Drug Research. The Maine Technology Institute funded the study.
The researchers are seeking healthy persons between the ages of 25 and 50 who will be available to participate in the 17-week long study that involves six visits to campus for training and testing. Volunteers who complete the entire study will be paid $50.
During the visits to the Orono campus, volunteers will take a variety of tests to measure whether consuming capsules of blueberry powder can affect brain function. Volunteers who are currently taking dietary supplements may continue to do so as long as no major changes are made in dietary supplement or food consumption habits during the study.
More information is available from Camire at 581-1733 or Mary.Camire@umit.maine.edu.