(P26-024-25) Metabolomic Analysis Detects Unique to Blueberry Compounds in the Urine of Infants Consuming Freeze-Dried Blueberry Powder

Objectives: To determine if blueberry-specific food compounds can be detected in infant urine when consuming freeze-dried blueberry powder vs. a placebo powder using a novel nutrimetabolomic technique.

Methods: In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, healthy, full-term, exclusively breastfed infants with no prior complementary food exposure were recruited before 5 months of age from metro Denver (Colorado, USA). Infants, stratified by sex and mode of delivery, were randomized to receive either a 10 g packet of freeze-dried blueberry powder (equivalent to 2 ounces of fresh blueberries; 5 tablespoons/5 portions of fruits) or a placebo powder (isocaloric). Caregivers were asked to feed their infant one 10g packet daily from baseline (5-6 months) until 12 months and refrain from feeding their infants blueberries and blackberries.

Of 76 infants recruited, 60 completed (n=36 male, n=24 female) the 7-month intervention (30/group). The metabolome of the blueberry and placebo powders, and baseline and end of study urine samples from 40 infants (21 intervention, 19 placebo) with the highest percent adherence were analyzed using a 6545 Quadrupole Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer (Agilent). A targeted data mining algorithm (Profinder) was used to mine urine samples for blueberry compounds.

Results: There was no difference in sex or race between groups. A total of 401 blueberry compounds were detected in at least 4 participants’ urine samples and included in the analysis and 205 compounds had a significant change from 5 to 12 months (72% of compounds increased). Out of these 205 compounds, 14 were unique to the blueberry group (compounds were defined as compounds detected in the blueberry powder but not placebo) and 1 was unique to the placebo group. Two compounds were identified to have significant group-by-time interactions (higher in the blueberry group at 12 months); isopentyl beta-D-glucoside may have antioxidant properties, 16alpha,17beta-Estriol 17-(beta-D-glucuronide) is a glucuronide which may act as a mechanism of detoxification in the body.

Conclusions: Metabolomic analysis discovered unique-to-blueberry compounds that are detected in urine samples in infants who consumed a whole freeze-dried blueberry powder for 7 months.

Funding Sources: USDA US High Bush Blueberry Council, Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute