Food In Canada

Biotransformed blueberry juice may fight fat, diabetes

By Food in Canada staff   

Research & Development


Results of a study by Canadian scientists has found that biotransformed (with bacteria from the skin of the fruit) blueberry juice “holds great promise” as an anti-obesity and anti-diabetic agent.

The study, which was published in the International Journal of Obesity, was conducted by researchers from the Université de Montréal, the Institut Armand-Frappier and the Université de Moncton.

According to a release on the Université de Montréal’s website, the scientists tested the effects of biotransformed juices compared to regular blueberry drinks on mice.

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Juice tested on mice

The scientists gave the biotransformed blueberry juice to a group of mice prone to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and hypertension. Incorporating the biotransformed blueberry juice into the water of mice reduced their food intake and body weight.

Pierre Haddad, the senior author, says “these mice were an excellent model that closely resembles obesity and obsesity-linked type 2 diabetes in humans.”

Biotransformation of the blueberry juice was achieved with a new strain of bacteria isolated from the blueberry flora, which increases the fruit’s antioxidant effects.

As for the impact of blueberry products on diabetes, the lead author wrote that the biotransformed blueberry juice gradually and significantly reduced high blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. “After three days, our mice subjects reduced their glycemia levels by 35 per cent.”


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