scholarly journals Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of frailty in women 60 years old or older

2020 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 1540-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa T Fung ◽  
Ellen A Struijk ◽  
Fernando Rodriguez-Artalejo ◽  
Walter C Willett ◽  
Esther Lopez-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Lower Risk ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cox Models ◽  
Physically Active

ABSTRACT Background Prior research has suggested that the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential of fruits and vegetables may ameliorate aging-related frailty. Objective We sought to prospectively examine the association between fruit and vegetable intake and incident frailty in older women. Design We followed 78,366 nonfrail women aged ≥60 y from the Nurses’ Health Study from 1990 to 2014. In this analysis, the primary exposure was the intake of total fruits and vegetables, assessed with an FFQ administered 6 times during follow-up. Frailty was defined as having ≥3 of the following 5 criteria from the FRAIL scale: fatigue, poor strength, low aerobic capacity, having ≥5 illnesses, and ≥5% weight loss. Cox models adjusted for potential confounders were used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for the association between fruit and vegetable intake and incident frailty. Results In total, 12,434 (15.9%) incident frailty cases were accrued during follow-up. Total fruit and vegetable intakes were associated with a lower risk of frailty (adjusted HR comparing 7+ servings/d compared with <3 servings/d: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.99). The inverse association appeared to be stronger for those with physical activity above the median (P-interaction < 0.05). Among physically active women, compared with those who consumed <3 servings/d, the HR for 7+ servings/d was 0.68 (95% CI: 0.57, 0.81). Conclusion Higher fruit and vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of frailty in this cohort of US women aged ≥60 y. Because of limited evidence on intakes of fruits and vegetables and the development of frailty, more data are needed to confirm our results.

scholarly journals Fruits and Vegetables Intake and Risk of Frailty in Women Aged 60 and Older (OR33-08-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Fung ◽  
Ellen Stuijk ◽  
Fernando Rodriguez-Artalejo ◽  
Kaitlin Hagan ◽  
Frank Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Risk ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Cox Models ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables Intake

Abstract Objectives Prior research has suggested that the anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory potential of fruits and vegetables may reduce pre-mature aging. The purpose of this analysis is to prospectively examine the association between fruits and vegetables intake and incident frailty in older women. Methods 30,267 non-frail women aged 60+ from the Nurses’ Health Study were followed from 1990 to 2012. Frailty was defined as having at least three of the following five criteria from the FRAIL scale: fatigue, poor strength, low aerobic capacity, having ≥5 illnesses, and weight loss ≥5%. Fruits and vegetables intake were assessed from a food frequency questionnaire six times during follow-up and Cox models adjusting for potential confounders was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals for the association with incident frailty. Results 6888 incident frailty cases were accrued during follow-up. Total fruits and vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of frailty (adjusted RR comparing 7+ servings/d vs <3d/ = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.69–0.85, p trend < 0.001). The RR for total vegetables intake comparing 5+/d vs <2/d was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.77–0.94, p trend = 0.009). The strongest association among vegetables groups was observed with leafy vegetables (RR for >1/d compared with <1/wk = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.68–0.88, p trend < 0.001) and yellow vegetables (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74–0.98, p trend = 0.002). RR total fruits intake, comparing 4+/d vs <1/d was 0.91 (95%CI = 0.80–1.04, p trend = 0.03). intake of 6/wk or more of apples and pears was associated with an RR of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.78–0.98, p trend < 0.001) compared with women who consumed <1/wk. These associations did not differ by BMI or physical activity level. Conclusions Higher fruits and vegetables intake was associated with a lower risk of frailty in this cohort of age 60+ U.S. women. Funding Sources Data collection for this analysis was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

scholarly journals Improving fruit and vegetable intake attenuates the genetic association with long-term weight gain

2019 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 759-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiange Wang ◽  
Yoriko Heianza ◽  
Dianjianyi Sun ◽  
Yan Zheng ◽  
Tao Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Genetic Susceptibility ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Genetic Risk Score ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable

ABSTRACT Background Whether changes in fruit and vegetable intake can modify the effect of genetic susceptibility to obesity on long-term changes in BMI and body weight are uncertain. Objective We analyzed the interactions of changes in total and specific fruit and vegetable intake with genetic susceptibility to obesity in relation to changes in BMI and body weight. Methods We calculated a genetic risk score on the basis of 77 BMI-associated loci to determine the genetic susceptibility to obesity, and examined the interactions of changes in total and specific fruit and vegetable intake with the genetic risk score on changes in BMI and body weight within five 4-y intervals over 20 y of follow-up in 8943 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and 5308 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). Results In the combined cohorts, repeated 4-y BMI change per 10-risk allele increment was 0.09 kg/m2 among participants with the greatest decrease in total fruit and vegetable intake and −0.02 among those with the greatest increase in intake (P-interaction <0.001; corresponding weight change: 0.20 kg compared with −0.06 kg). The magnitude of decrease in BMI associated with increasing fruit and vegetable intake was more prominent among participants with high genetic risk than those with low risk. Reproducible interactions were observed for fruits and vegetables separately (both P-interaction <0.001). Based on similar nutritional content, the interaction effect was greatest for berries, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables, and the interaction pattern persisted regardless of the different fiber content or glycemic load of fruits and vegetables. Conclusions Genetically associated increased BMI and body weight could be mitigated by increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and the beneficial effect of improving fruit and vegetable intake on weight management was more pronounced in individuals with greater genetic susceptibility to obesity.

Abstract P224: Higher Fruit and Vegetable Intake Was Associated With Lower Total and Cause-Specific Mortality in a Nonlinear Dose-Response Manner

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong D Wang ◽  
Shilpa N Bhupathiraju ◽  
Yanping Li ◽  
Bernard A Rosner ◽  
Qi Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Dose Response Relationship ◽  
Disease Mortality ◽  
Specific Mortality

Introduction: The strength and dose-response relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and mortality are still subjects of debate. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher fruit and vegetable intake was associated with lower total and cause-specific mortality in a nonlinear dose-response manner. Methods: We followed 66,719 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (1984-2012) and 42,016 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2012) who were free from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and diabetes at baseline. Diet was assessed using food frequency questionnaires at baseline and updated every 2 to 4 years. Results: Our study documented 28,333 deaths during follow-up. The 3rd quintile of fruit and vegetable intake was associated with the lowest hazard ratio (HR) of total mortality (HR, 0.87, 95% CI, 0.83-0.90, P nonlinear <0.001) compared to the 1st quintile. The nonlinear dose-response relationship plateaued at about 5 servings/day (svg/d), but above that level, higher intake was not associated with additional risk reduction. We found similar nonlinear associations for CVD, cancer and respiratory disease mortality. Compared to fruit and vegetable intake <1.5 svg/d, the intake level ≥5 svg/d was associated with HRs (95% CI) of 0.84 (0.75-0.93), 0.82 (0.72-0.93) and 0.55 (0.44-0.67) for cancer, CVD and respiratory disease mortality, respectively. Among individual fruits and vegetables, the associations of intakes with mortality were heterogeneous. Higher intakes of most fruit and vegetable subgroups were associated with lower total mortality, whereas higher intake of starchy vegetable such as peas and corn was not associated with total mortality. Conclusions: Higher fruit and vegetable intake was associated with lower mortality; the lowest mortality was observed among those who consumed 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day (2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables daily). Our findings also suggest the presence of heterogeneity in the health benefits of individual fruits and vegetables.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 4127-4127
Author(s):  
Brenda M Birmann ◽  
Kimberly Bertrand ◽  
Bernard Rosner ◽  
Andres Ardisson Korat
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Non Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Etiologic Role

Background: The few established risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) exhibit considerable heterogeneity by NHL subtype and suggest an etiologic role for factors with immune- or inflammation-modulating properties, or which otherwise influence lymphocyte proliferation and survival. Epidemiologic evidence supports a potential inverse association for fruit and vegetable intake and NHL risk, but with limited subtype-specific evidence. Glucosinates and indole-3-carbinol, both found in cruciferous vegetables, may mediate tumor suppressive effects, including anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation effects or restoration of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a known tumor suppressor frequently down-regulated in cancer cells. We conducted a prospective study to further elucidate the etiologic role of fruit and vegetable consumption for NHL and its most common histologic subtypes. Methods: We followed 47,971 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS; 1986-2012) and 77,115 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS; 1984-2012) with baseline information on diet and no baseline history of cancer. We queried diet every four years using validated food-frequency questionnaires. We calculated fruit and vegetable consumption, in broad categories and for specific food groups, by summing the intake of individual foods excluding fruit juices, potatoes and legumes. Incident NHL diagnoses were first self-reported in study questionnaires then confirmed by review of medical records. We classified histologic subtypes according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Lymphoma Epidemiology (InterLymph) Consortium guidelines. We analyzed all NHL (in aggregate) and separate endpoints of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma, other B-cell NHL and T-cell NHL. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression adjusting for potential confounding variables to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of various fruit and vegetable intake variables with risk of each NHL endpoint. Those intake variables were based on the pre-diagnosis questionnaire returned most recent to NHL diagnosis and modeled as continuous variables in increments of one serving/day. Results: During 2,747,939 person-years of follow-up, we confirmed 1,732 incident NHL cases (986 women, 746 men). In preliminary multivariable-adjusted analyses, no fruit and vegetable intake variable was significantly associated with risk of all NHL (Table 1). Each additional serving/day of all, green leafy, beta carotene rich and lycopene rich vegetables was significantly associated with a 15%-45% lower risk of DLBCL per serving/day but not with other NHL subtypes; cruciferous and lutein rich vegetable intakes had a suggestive but statistically non-significant inverse association with several B-cell NHL subtypes (Table 1). Other associations were only weakly suggestive or null. Conclusions: In this prospective investigation, preliminary findings suggest a modest reduction of risk of several individual B-cell NHL subtypes, including statistically significantly lower risks of DLBCL, with increasing intake of green and antioxidant rich vegetables. These findings warrant further exploration and confirmation in other study populations. We note that this abstract reports preliminary findings; ongoing analyses will extend the follow-up period, add a third large cohort (NHS II) and assess potential reverse causation, explore sex- and subtype-related heterogeneity and test for non-linearity of observed associations. If confirmed, these results will contribute to evidence-based prevention strategies for NHL and further support general health recommendations concerning benefits of fruit and vegetable intake. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of upper respiratory tract infection in pregnant women

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Li ◽  
Martha M Werler
Keyword(s):  
Tract Infection ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infection ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Upper Respiratory

AbstractObjectiveThe present study evaluated the association between fruit and vegetable intake and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) during pregnancy.DesignIn a cohort of 1034 North American women, each subject was asked retrospectively about their fruit and vegetable intake during the six months before the pregnancy and their occurrences of URTI during the first half of pregnancy. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated with Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThe adjusted HR of URTI for women in the highest quartile (median 8·54 servings/d)v. the lowest quartile (median 1·91 servings/d) of total fruit and vegetable intake was 0·74 (95 % CI 0·53, 1·05) for the 5-month follow-up period and 0·61 (95 % CI 0·39, 0·97) for the 3-month follow-up period, respectively. A dose-related reduction of URTI risk according to quartile of intake was found in the 3-month (Pfor trend = 0·03) but not the 5-month follow-up. No association was found between either fruit or vegetable intake alone in relation to the 5-month or the 3-month risk of URTI.ConclusionsWomen who consume more fruits and vegetables have a moderate reduction in risk of URTI during pregnancy, and this benefit appears to be derived from both fruits and vegetables instead of either alone.

Abstract 001: Quantity and Variety in Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shilpa N Bhupathiraju ◽  
Nicole M Wedick ◽  
An Pan ◽  
JoAnn E Manson ◽  
Kathryn M Rexrode ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Fruit Juice ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Markers Of Inflammation ◽  
Chd Risk

Epidemiological data have consistently documented a protective effect of fruit and vegetable intake on risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Consequently, dietary guidelines recommend increasing fruit and vegetable intake and, most recently, have also suggested increasing variety. Our objective was to examine the independent roles of quantity and variety in fruit and vegetable intake in relation to incident CHD. We prospectively observed 71,157 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS, 1984-2008) and 39,752 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS, 1986-2008) who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer at baseline. We documented 2585 incident CHD cases in women during 24 years of follow-up and 3408 cases in men during 22 years of follow-up. Diet was assessed using a standardized and validated questionnaire and updated every 4 years. Variety was defined as the number of unique fruits and vegetables consumed at least once per week. To account for minor differences in the number of fruit and vegetable items administered at each follow-up cycle, we standardized our variety score to 30 (11 for fruit score and 19 for vegetable score). Potatoes, soy, or other legumes were not included in our analyses. Because the AHA does not consider fruit juice to be equivalent to whole fruit, fruit juice was also not included in our analyses. Quantity (servings/day) and variety in fruit and vegetable intake were correlated (r=0.68, P<0.0001). We, therefore, regressed variety on quantity to assess their independent effects on CHD risk. In multivariable analyses, after adjusting for dietary and non-dietary covariates, those in the highest fifth of fruit and vegetable intake (median intake=7.80 servings/day) had a 13% lower risk (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.95) of CHD compared to those in the lowest fifth (median intake=2.14 servings/day). Conversely, quantity-adjusted variety was not associated with CHD risk (RR for highest fifth compared to lowest fifth=1.04, 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.19). Further, within each category of quantity, higher variety was not associated with CHD risk. Our data suggest that absolute quantity, rather than variety, in fruit and vegetable intake is associated with a significantly lower risk of CHD. Future work should examine the role of variety in reducing biological markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Meanwhile, policy efforts should continue to focus on increasing overall fruit and vegetable intake.

scholarly journals Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of acute coronary syndrome

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Hansen ◽  
Lars O. Dragsted ◽  
Anja Olsen ◽  
Jane Christensen ◽  
Anne Tjønneland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Coronary Syndrome

Prospective epidemiological studies have reported that a higher fruit and vegetable intake is associated with a lower risk of CHD. The aim of the present study was to examine associations between fruit and vegetable consumption, in particular the subgroupings citrus fruits, apples and cruciferous vegetables, and the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). During a median follow-up of 7·7 years, 1075 incident ACS cases were identified among 53 383 men and women, aged 50–64 years at recruitment into the Diet, Cancer and Health cohort study in 1993–7. Fruit and vegetable intake was estimated from a validated FFQ, and ACS incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Overall, a tendency towards a lower risk of ACS was observed for both men and women with higher fruit and vegetable consumption. For men, we found an inverse association for apple intake (IRR per 25 g/d: 0·97; 95 % CI 0·94, 0·99). This association was also seen among women, albeit borderline significant. However, a higher risk was seen among women with higher fruit juice intake (IRR per 25 g/d: 1·04; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·08). The present results provide some support for previously observed inverse associations between fresh fruit intake, particularly apples, and ACS risk.

scholarly journals Awareness and outcomes of the fruits and veggies (FNV) campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among targeted audiences in California and Virginia: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa R. Englund ◽  
Valisa E. Hedrick ◽  
Sofía Rincón-Gallardo Patiño ◽  
Lauren E. Kennedy ◽  
Kathryn W. Hosig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample

Abstract Background In 2015, the Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign to apply a unique industry-inspired marketing approach to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to moms and teens in two US pilot markets: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) assess brand awareness and fruit- and vegetable-related outcomes among FNV Campaign target audiences in the California and Virginia market locations; and 2) examine whether reported awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with differences in fruit- and vegetable-related cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey administered to a non-probability convenience sample (n = 1604; February–July 2017) of youth aged 14–20 years (n = 744) and moms aged 21–36 years (n = 860) in the two pilot markets. Descriptive statistics were computed and outcomes compared between unaware and aware respondents, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to assess whether fruit- and vegetable-related attitude, belief, and encouragement outcomes differed by FNV Campaign awareness; logistic regression was used to examine associations between FNV brand awareness and dichotomous variables (fruit- and vegetable-related behavioral intentions, trying new fruits and vegetables); and ANCOVA was used to assess associations with daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency. Results Approximately 20% (n = 315/1604) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 167, 22.4%) had higher intentions to buy (p = 0.003) and eat (p = 0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware respondents. Mothers that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 148, 17.2%) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p = 0.013) and were approximately 1.5 times more likely to report trying a new fruit or vegetable (p = 0.04) than mothers unaware of the Campaign. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by Campaign awareness. Conclusions FNV Campaign awareness was associated with limited but positive short- and intermediate-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. These findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve the FNV Campaign as it is expanded to new markets nationwide.

scholarly journals Home food environment and associations with weight and diet among U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
April Hermstad ◽  
Regine Haardörfer
Keyword(s):  
Food Environment ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Home Food Environment ◽  
Meal Preparation ◽  
Home Food

Abstract Background The home provides the physical and social context for the majority of eating behaviors for U.S. adults. This study describes eleven dimensions of the home food environment among a national sample of U.S. adults and identifies which are associated with diet quality and overweight/obesity. Methods A national sample of U.S. adults ages 18 to 75 was recruited from an online survey panel. Respondents (n = 4942) reported on foods available in the home, including 1) fruit and vegetables, 2) salty snacks/sweets, 3) less healthy beverages, as well as 4) food placement, 5) shopping practices for fruits and vegetables, 6) food preparation, 7) portion control methods, 8) family meals from restaurants, 9) family household practices around TV and eating, 10) presence of a TV in the dining area, and 11) ownership of a scale. Self-reported height and weight, fruit and vegetable intake, and percent calories from fat were also assessed. Results Mean household size was 2.6, 32.7% had children in the home, and 23.1% lived alone. The majority were White (67.7%), with 12.3% Black and 14.3% Hispanic. Mean age was 44.4 and 48.3% were men. In multivariable models, seven features of the home food environment were associated with meeting the recommended fruit and vegetable intake guidelines, with food placement, meal preparation, frequency of shopping for fruit, and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables available in the home most strongly associated. Eight of 11 features were associated with percent energy from fat, including restaurant food for family meals, salty snacks and sweets availability, less healthy beverages availability, food placement, meal preparation, frequency of shopping for fruit, family eating with the TV on, and having a TV in the dining area. More diverse fruit and vegetable availability was associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity, and more frequent family eating while watching TV was associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity. Conclusion Targeting these dimensions of the home food environment may be a promising approach for future intervention research.

Abstract P395: Color of Fruits, Vegetables and Blood Pressure: The INTERMAP Study

Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda M Oude Griep ◽  
Jeremiah Stamler ◽  
Queenie Chan ◽  
Linda van Horn ◽  
Lyn M Steffen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Regression Coefficients ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Orange Yellow ◽  
Urinary Potassium ◽  
History Of

Background: The color of the edible portion of fruits and vegetables, reflecting the presence of pigmented phytochemicals, may be used as an indicator of their nutrient profile. Previous cohort and intervention studies have documented beneficial associations of fruits and vegetables with blood pressure (BP). However, whether the color of fruits and vegetables is associated with BP is unknown. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure (INTERMAP) on 4,680 men and women ages 40-59 years from Japan, China, United Kingdom, and United States. During four visits, eight BP measurements and four 24-hr dietary recalls were completed. Fruits and vegetables were categorized in 4 color groups: green, orange/yellow, red/purple, and white. BP regression coefficients per 2SD higher intake were estimated using multivariable linear regression models. To estimate overall associations, country-specific regression coefficients were pooled, weighted by inverse of their variance. Adjustments were for age, gender, sample, intake of total energy and alcohol, 24-hr urinary sodium excretion, smoking, education, dietary supplement use, adherence to any special diet, history of cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, family history of hypertension, use of medication (antihypertensive, cardiovascular or for diabetes), body mass index, and intake of low-fat dairy, fibre-rich grain products, red and processed meats, fish and shellfish, and mutually for other fruit and vegetable color groups. Results: Average daily fruit plus vegetable intakes (g/1000 kcal) was 183 in the total population, varying from 129 in the United Kingdom to 222 in China. White fruits and vegetables contributed 32% of total fruit and vegetable intake, orange/yellow 27%, green 26%, and red/purple 15%. Fruit and vegetable color groups were weakly related to each other, partial r values ranged from 0.08 for green with red/purple to 0.15 for white with orange/yellow. Fruit and vegetable color groups were highly correlated with dietary and urinary potassium; highest correlation coefficients were for white fruits and vegetables (r=0.46 for dietary and r=0.26 for urinary potassium). Green fruits and vegetables were also highly related to beta-carotene (r=0.40) and dietary fiber (r=0.40), orange fruits and vegetables to vitamin C (r=0.59), and white fruits and vegetables to dietary fibre (r=0.49). Green fruit and vegetable intake higher by 90 g/1000 kcal was associated with a systolic BP difference of -1.19 mm Hg (P<0.05). Green fruits and vegetables comprised mainly green vegetables including: cabbages (52%), lettuces (21%), dark leafy (10%), and a heterogeneous group (17%). Other fruit and vegetable color groups and total fruits plus vegetables were not associated with BP. Conclusion: Higher intake of green fruits and vegetables may contribute to lower systolic BP.

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