Adolescence is an important period for cognitive maturation and emotional regulation, and this age group is particularly vulnerable to developing depression. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been associated with decreased risk of developing depressive disorders across the lifespan, maybe due to the high flavonoid content of these foods. Previously, we have shown increases in transient positive affect (PA) in both children and young adults 2 h after administration of a wild blueberry (WBB) intervention. Here, using a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of 4 weeks, daily WBB supplementation (containing about 253 mg anthocyanins) on transient and chronic mood in adolescents. Healthy 12–17-year old (n 64, thirty-five females) participants were randomly assigned to receive either a WBB or matched placebo supplementation. Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention period using the Mood and Feeling Questionnaire and Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. Transient affect was assessed before, 2 weeks and at 4 weeks using PA and negative affect. Following the intervention period, there were significantly fewer self-reported depression symptoms in participants who were supplemented with WBB compared with placebo (P = 0·02, 95 % CI –6·71, –5·35). There was no between-group effect on anxiety symptoms or on transient affect. Further investigation is required to identify specific mechanisms that link flavonoids consumption and mood. If replicated, the observed effects of WBB supplementation may be a potential prevention strategy for adolescent depression and may have benefits for public mental health.

中文翻译：

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每日补充野生蓝莓 4 周对青少年抑郁症状的影响


青春期是认知成熟和情绪调节的重要时期，这个年龄段特别容易患上抑郁症。富含水果和蔬菜的饮食可以降低一生中患抑郁症的风险，这可能是由于这些食物的类黄酮含量很高。此前，我们已经发现，在给予野生蓝莓 (WBB) 干预后 2 小时，儿童和年轻人的短暂积极情绪 (PA) 有所增加。在这里，我们使用随机双盲、安慰剂对照试验，研究了 4 周、每天补充 WBB（含有约 253 毫克花青素）对青少年短暂和慢性情绪的影响。 12-17岁身体健康（ n 64 名（35 名女性）参与者被随机分配接受 WBB 或匹配的安慰剂补充剂。使用情绪和感觉问卷以及修订的儿童焦虑和抑郁量表在干预期之前和之后评估抑郁和焦虑症状。使用 PA 和负面情感在之前、2 周和 4 周评估短暂情感。干预期结束后，与安慰剂相比，补充 WBB 的参与者自我报告的抑郁症状明显减少（磷= 0·02, 95% CI –6·71, –5·35)。对焦虑症状或短暂情感没有组间影响。需要进一步研究以确定黄酮类化合物摄入和情绪之间联系的具体机制。如果重复观察到的补充 WBB 的效果可能是青少年抑郁症的潜在预防策略，并且可能对公众心理健康有益。