BAR HARBOR, Maine (August 29, 2003) - Leading U.S. and Canadian researchers who are active in studying brain aging, cardio-vascular health, anti-adhesion, and cancer prevention gathered in Bar Harbor for the sixth annual Wild Blueberry Research Summit on August 21-22 to share current research findings and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

According to summit facilitator Susan Davis, MS, RD, Nutrition Advisor to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA), Wild Blueberry research is advancing with strengthened interest in the potential health benefits. Davis noted that several researchers continue to look at Wild Blueberry anthocyanins, the phytochemicals responsible for the deep blue-purple color of Wild Blueberries and high antioxidant activity, while others are investigating the effect of blueberries on motor and cognitive function, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and urinary tract health. “We’re seeing lots of activity leading to increased interest and enthusiasm in the research community for further exploration into the possible protective effect of Wild Blueberries in the diet,” said Davis. “To hear that Wild Blueberries may have a similar effect on platelet aggregation as taking an aspirin a day is exciting news in support of whole foods.”

“The summit provides me with a great opportunity to present my work and discuss its relevance to what others in the Wild Blueberry group are doing,” said Amy Howell, Ph.D., of the Blueberry & Cranberry Research Center, at Rutgers University. “Most of my research focuses on the anti-adhesion and anti-bacterial potential of cranberries and blueberries which are unique among fruits and vegetables in their ability to prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract and causing urinary tract infections. New evidence suggests that the anti-adhesion effects may extend to other areas of the body. As we move further into studying dose response and to determine the ideal amount people need to consume every day, I will be looking to the work done by this group to help shape future studies in my area of interest.”

Those in attendance included: James Joseph, Ph.D. and Barbara Shukitt-Hale, Ph.D., Neuroscience Laboratory, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston, MA; Ron Prior, Ph.D., USDA-ARS, Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center; Amy Howell, Ph.D., Blueberry & Cranberry Research Center, Rutgers University; Willy Kalt, Ph.D., and Jane MacDonald, MS, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Nova Scotia; Mary Ann Lila, Ph.D., Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Dorothy Klimis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition, University of Maine, Orono; Dick Cook, Ph.D., Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Maine, Orono; and Shawna McKinnon, Ph.D., NRC Canada, Institute of Marine Sciences.

“This group deserves all the credit for the positive health news about Wild Blueberries,” said WBANA Executive Director John Sauvé. “Their dedication to on-going Wild Blueberry health research is remarkable.” According to Sauvé, WBANA will continue to bring Wild Blueberry research findings to the public to help encourage the consumption of 5 to 9 colorful fruits and vegetables every day. “Our message to the consumer is to get your Daily Dose of Blue™ with 1/2 cup of Wild Blueberries every day.” Sauvé noted that Wild Blueberries are available year-round in a convenient, great tasting frozen form which is making its way into supermarkets across the U.S. and into Canada as well. “What could be simpler and more enjoyable than starting each day with 1/2 cup of The Breakfast Berries™ - Frozen Wild Blueberries. Eating healthy has never been so easy!”

WBANA

WBANA is an international trade association of growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from Maine, Atlantic Canada and Quebec, dedicated to bringing the Wild Blueberry health story and unique Wild Advantages to consumers worldwide.

SOURCE: Wild Blueberry Association of North America
CONTACTS: John Sauvé, Wild Blueberry Association of North America,
(207) 288-2655 or Susan Till, SWARDLICK MARKETING GROUP, (207) 775-4100.
WEB SITE: www.wildblueberries.com