A blackcurrant powder supplement enriched with L-theanine and pine bark extract improves sleep quality in healthy older adults: Results from placebo controlled crossover study

The potential benefits of berryfruit phytonutrients on brain health in older adults remain underexplored. This randomised, placebo-controlled crossover investigated the effects of consuming Ārepa®, a powdered blackcurrant (BC) formula (7.8 mg anthocyanins/kg bodyweight of whole freeze-dried BC, 200 mg L-theanine and 100 mg pine bark extract), daily for 4 weeks on sleep quality and psychological wellbeing of healthy older adults (62 ± 6 years). Significant treatment × time interactions were observed for habitual sleep efficiency ( p = 0.001; q = 0.015), with participants self-reporting improvements in sleep and general wellbeing. Bioavailability of BC anthocyanins, sarmentosin, and L-theanine was measurable after 4 weeks supplementation. No significant effects were found for psychological wellbeing or mood following 4 weeks of Ārepa® supplementation. These findings suggest the potential benefits of this BC formula to improve sleep quality in older adults. • We tested the effect of a blackcurrant formula on psychological and sleep outcomes. • Older adults consumed a blackcurrant formula, or a placebo, daily for four weeks. • Supplementation with the blackcurrant formula improved habitual sleep efficiency. • Blackcurrant formula consumption had no effect on psychological health outcomes.