One struggle almost all new parents have in common? The unending cycle of sniffles and surprise fevers. While medications may help treat the symptoms, helping children build a strong immune system is crucial. No, you don’t have to turn to expensive supplements for that. In fact, scientists have found that a superfood can be the answer to boosting your infants’ immunity and gut health.



Groundbreaking research from the University of Colorado Anschutz found that . The findings of the study are published in the journals
Nutrients and
Frontiers in Nutrition.



Blueberries can boost immunity in infants



Blueberries, , are now grown commercially across the Americas and Europe. They are rich in antioxidants, and wild blueberries are often considered more nutritious. A 2023 study by King’s College London found that for 12 weeks may help improve executive function, short-term memory, and reaction times.



A new clinical trial showed that feeding blueberries to infants as one of their first solid foods may help strengthen their immune system and provide long-term health benefits.



The researchers found that early blueberry consumption may reduce allergy symptoms, strengthen the immune system, and support healthy gut development.



The study authors recommended puréeing blueberries as a safety measure while introducing the fruit to babies. In the case of older babies and toddlers, blueberries should be mashed or cut into small pieces to eliminate choking hazards.



How blueberries boost immunity in young kids



This is the first study of its kind to rigorously test the effects of a specific food — blueberries — on infant health using a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial.



“For parents beginning to wean their infants, it’s incredibly difficult to find solid, research-backed advice on what foods to introduce. This study is a critical first step in filling that gap by offering real data on how a specific food like blueberries can improve your infant’s health,” senior author Minghua Tang, PhD, adjoint associate professor of paediatrics in the CU Anschutz School of Medicine’s Section of Nutrition, said.



The study involved 61 infants in the Denver area aged five to 12 months. The participants consumed either freeze-dried blueberry powder or a placebo powder with no blueberries every day. The parents fed the children normally, except for the blueberries.



The researchers collected stool and blood samples every two months from the infants to monitor changes in gut bacteria, immune system biomarkers, and allergy-related outcomes. The dietary habits and growth of the children were also tracked.



What they found was striking. They found improved allergy symptoms in infants who consumed blueberry powder (the symptoms were pre-existing and not caused by blueberries). These infants also had reduced inflammation, and there were signs of a stronger immune response. The findings also hinted at positive shifts in gut microbiota, with changes considered beneficial for immune health.



“This research supports the idea that blueberries are not only safe for infants but also offer meaningful health benefits. Just a few blueberries a day could make a difference in supporting long-term health. We view infancy as a critical window of opportunity, and what we introduce during this time can have lasting effects as children grow,” Tang, who is also a researcher at the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI) at CU Anschutz and Colorado State University, said.



The message is loud and clear. A few blueberries a day could boost your baby’s health, today and for years to come.




Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.