Aurorablue Organic Wild Blueberry Blend
Also known as: Vaccinium alaskaense, Vaccinium ovalifolium, Vaccinium membranaceum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium cespitosum, Wild Alaskan blueberry blend, Alaska Vaccinium berry complex, AuroraBlue Organic Wild Blueberry Blend
Overview
AuroraBlue is a proprietary blend of wild blueberry species (Vaccinium alaskaense, Vaccinium ovalifolium, Vaccinium membranaceum, Vaccinium uliginosum, and Vaccinium cespitosum) hand-picked from Alaskan rainforests and tundra. These berries are processed using Refractance Window® drying technology to preserve their bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins. It is USDA organic-certified and kosher-certified. AuroraBlue is used as a dietary supplement primarily for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, and potential benefits in metabolic regulation, including blood sugar and lipid metabolism. The blend is noted for containing up to 10 times higher bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to cultivated blueberries from lower latitudes, making it a rich source of flavonoids and other phytochemicals.
Benefits
AuroraBlue, leveraging the properties of its wild Alaskan blueberry constituents, offers several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effects include significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, demonstrated in vitro by the blunting of oxidative stress and reduction of inflammatory responses in neuronal cells, including inhibition of NADPH oxidase activation and sphingomyelinase activity. This contributes to neuroprotection and cognitive support, with systematic reviews on blueberry supplementation showing improvements in memory and cognitive function in aging populations. Furthermore, in vivo studies on Alaska wild blueberry species indicate benefits in metabolic regulation, such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and reducing lipid accumulation in fat cells. Secondary benefits include cardiovascular support through antioxidant pathways and potential for healthy aging. These benefits are particularly relevant for older adults with cognitive decline, individuals at risk of metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, and those exposed to high oxidative stress. While specific clinical trials on AuroraBlue are limited, the extensive research on wild blueberries and anthocyanins supports these claims, with systematic reviews reporting small to moderate improvements in cognitive tests.
How it works
AuroraBlue exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of anthocyanins and other flavonoids. Its mechanism of action involves potent antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine production and inhibiting key enzymes like NADPH oxidase and neutral sphingomyelinase. These actions contribute to neuroprotection by inhibiting neuronal oxidative stress pathways. Furthermore, the blend modulates lipid metabolism and supports glucose regulation, impacting the metabolic system. While anthocyanins have relatively low bioavailability, their metabolites are believed to exert significant biological effects. The Refractance Window® drying technology used in AuroraBlue aims to preserve these delicate bioactive compounds, ensuring their integrity for absorption and subsequent interaction with various body systems, including the central nervous system, metabolic system, and cardiovascular system.
Side effects
Blueberry supplements, including AuroraBlue, are generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects. There are no well-documented common side effects (occurring in >5% of users). Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which has been reported in some users of general blueberry supplements. Rare side effects (<1%) could include allergic reactions, though these are infrequent. No significant drug interactions have been documented specifically for AuroraBlue. However, caution is advised for individuals on anticoagulant medications due to the potential for mild antiplatelet effects associated with flavonoids found in blueberries. There are no established contraindications for AuroraBlue. For special populations, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers before use. Children and the elderly generally tolerate blueberry supplements well, consistent with the overall safety profile of blueberries as a food.
Dosage
While specific AuroraBlue dosing has not been independently established, recommendations can be extrapolated from general wild blueberry studies. Clinical studies on blueberry anthocyanins typically use daily doses ranging from 100–500 mg of anthocyanins. For wild blueberry intake, this often translates to 150–300 grams of fresh equivalent per day, or standardized extract doses providing 100–300 mg of anthocyanins. There is no established maximum safe dose, as high doses from food sources are generally considered safe. Daily dosing is recommended for consistent benefits, and the timing relative to meals is not considered critical. Powder or extract forms standardized for anthocyanin content are preferred to ensure consistent potency. Co-ingestion with food may potentially enhance the absorption of anthocyanins, which are sensitive to pH and metabolism. No specific cofactors are required for the efficacy of AuroraBlue.
FAQs
Is AuroraBlue more potent than regular blueberries?
Yes, AuroraBlue is considered more potent due to its higher anthocyanin and antioxidant content, derived from specific wild Alaskan blueberry species and preserved through specialized drying technology.
Can AuroraBlue improve memory?
Evidence from general blueberry supplementation supports cognitive benefits, particularly in aging populations, but specific clinical trials on AuroraBlue for memory improvement are currently lacking.
Is AuroraBlue safe for long-term use?
Yes, blueberry-based supplements, including AuroraBlue, generally have a good safety profile and are considered safe for long-term consumption.
How soon can I expect to see benefits from AuroraBlue?
Cognitive and metabolic benefits from blueberry supplementation typically appear after consistent use over several weeks to a few months.
Research Sources
- https://denalibiotech.com/products/aurorablue/ – This source provides general information about AuroraBlue, highlighting its origin from Alaskan wild blueberries and its processing method. It emphasizes the blend's high concentration of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity compared to cultivated varieties, attributing these to the unique Alaskan environment and proprietary drying technology.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7828789/ – This systematic review by Krikorian R et al. (2021) examines the role of blueberry supplementation in neuronal health. It concludes that anthocyanin-rich blueberry intake can improve cognitive function and offer neuroprotection in aging humans and animals, despite challenges with bioavailability. The review supports the rationale for using blueberry supplements for cognitive benefits.