Postprandial Effects of Blueberry () Consumption on Glucose Metabolism, Gastrointestinal Hormone Response, and Perceived Appetite in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

Plain Language Summary

Globally, type 2 diabetes is a growing public health problem. The consumption of blueberries, as well as the phenolic compounds they contain, may alter metabolic processes related to type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate glucose metabolism, gastrointestinal hormone response, and perceived appetite following a higher-carbohydrate breakfast meal with or without whole blueberries As part of a randomised crossover design study, 17 healthy adults consumed a standardised higher-carbohydrate breakfast along with 2 treatments: (1) 140 g (1 cup) of whole blueberries and (2) a placebo gel (matched for calories, sugars, and fibre of the whole blueberries). Each subject participated in two 2-hour meal tests on separate visits at least 8 days apart. Blood samples and perceived appetite ratings were obtained prior to and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consuming the breakfast meals. The results showed that glucose metabolism, several gastrointestinal hormone (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), peptide YY (PYY)) concentrations and perceived appetite did not change significantly with blueberry consumption. However, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) concentrations were significantly higher at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consumption of the blueberry breakfast meal than the placebo breakfast meal. The authors concluded that additional research is needed to determine whether blueberries and other flavonoid-rich foods reduce type 2 diabetes risk by modifying gastrointestinal hormones and perceived appetite.