Study finds regular berry consumption linked to lower frailty risk in older adults

ANBAR, Iraq — A new study has found that people over 65 who regularly consume blackberries, blueberries and strawberries have a markedly lower risk of frailty. The research analyzed the dietary habits and frailty indicators of 357 participants from China and 5,553 from the United States. The study found that 45% of Chinese participants regularly consumed blackberries or related berries, compared with just 9% of American participants. Even after adjusting for age, sex, weight, education, smoking, alcohol use, diabetes and high blood pressure, the association between berry consumption and lower frailty risk persisted in both countries. In the U.S. sample, those who ate between 37 and 74 grams of berries per day had roughly a 39% lower risk of frailty than non-consumers. The researchers noted that increasing consumption to between 74 and 158 grams offered no additional protection and that the effect was more pronounced in men than in women. They suggested the outcome may be linked to antioxidant compounds in berries, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, vitamin C and fiber. The authors emphasized that the study is observational and does not prove causation, noting that people who eat berries regularly may also follow more balanced diets overall, which could influence the results.