Jim Grove, a blueberry enthusiast, is consuming a cup of blueberries daily for a year as part of a study. Grove, 67, shared that he has already eaten around 35 pounds of blueberries since the study began, as he prepared another blueberry smoothie at his Halifax residence. Following a series of physical tests and questions about his daily activities, Grove received a supply of frozen Nova Scotia wild blueberries for the upcoming weeks.
Grove is participating in a research project at Dalhousie University’s medical faculty, which aims to investigate the impact of a daily blueberry intake, along with protein powder and personalized exercise sessions, on enhancing frailty and heart health in older individuals. The study, named STRONG, is part of a growing trend in Canada known as food prescribing, where doctors prescribe fresh food to patients facing food insecurity and at risk of diet-related chronic illnesses.
Led by Leah Cahill, a registered dietitian and the principal investigator of the study, the research team is recruiting more individuals aged 65 and above to participate in the clinical trial. The study will involve 240 participants, with half consuming blueberries daily and the other half following their regular diets. Regular assessments will be conducted over a year, with additional follow-up assessments later on.
Funded by a $1-million grant from the River Philip Foundation in Nova Scotia, the study aims to emphasize preventive measures through lifestyle interventions to promote overall well-being. Cahill highlights the significance of addressing frailty and heart health, given the strong correlation between cardiovascular disease and frailty, which increases the risk of adverse health outcomes.
A commentary article published in a scientific journal focused on the positive outcomes of food prescribing, highlighting its potential in improving fruit and vegetable consumption and managing chronic diseases. However, further research is necessary to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to other healthcare and social welfare programs.
The article also mentions the pioneering efforts in Guelph, Ontario, where clinicians have been prescribing fresh food since 2019, resulting in notable improvements in health markers among participants. Despite its success, sustainability remains a concern, prompting calls for government investment in provincial food prescription programs.
With food prescribing gaining momentum across Canada, ongoing research initiatives like the STRONG study are crucial in shaping future healthcare practices. Grove, a participant in the study, attests to the positive impact of his new routine, expressing optimism about the long-term benefits it may bring as he ages.