New Delhi, Nov. 9 -- A small study of older adults has found that daily blueberry powder may influence some gut microbial functions, but it did not show a statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms compared with a placebo.

not proof that blueberries can treat or prevent depression.

The research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, examined sedentary adults aged 65 and older with mild depressive symptoms. It has drawn renewed attention through lifestyle coverage, including a Metro Mode report asking whether daily blueberries could ease low mood in older people.

What researchers tested

Participants were randomly assigned to consume 48 grams of blueberry powder each day, approximately equivalent to ...