Plasma β-Carotene Is Not a Suitable Biomarker of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in German Subjects with a Long-Term High Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables

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.

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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

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11055-6 ◽

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.

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Biochemical Validation of a Self-Administered Food Frequency Questionnaire to Assess Diet Using Carotenoids and Vitamins E and D in Male Adolescents in Spain

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10050750 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 750

Author(s):

Leyre Notario-Barandiaran ◽

Eva-María Navarrete-Muñoz ◽

Desirée Valera-Gran ◽

Elena Hernández-Álvarez ◽

Encarnación Donoso-Navarro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin E ◽

Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Sample Mean ◽

Food Frequency ◽

Male Adolescents ◽

Β Carotene

Reliable tools to evaluate diet are needed, particularly in life periods such as adolescence in which a rapid rate of growth and development occurs. We assessed the biochemical validity of a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in a sample of Spanish male adolescents using carotenoids and vitamin E and D data. We analyzed data from 122 male adolescents aged 15–17 years of the INMA-Granada birth cohort study. Adolescents answered a 104-item FFQ and provided a non-fasting blood sample. Mean daily nutrient intakes and serum concentration were estimated for main carotenoids (lutein-zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene), vitamins E and D and also for fruit and vegetable intake. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and the percentage of agreement (same or adjacent quintiles) between serum vitamin concentrations and energy-adjusted intakes were estimated. Statistically significant correlation coefficients were observed for the total carotenoids (r = 0.40) and specific carotenoids, with the highest correlation observed for lutein–zeaxanthin (r = 0.42) and the lowest for β-carotene (0.23). The correlation coefficient between fruit and vegetable intake and serum carotenoids was 0.29 (higher for vegetable intake, r = 0.33 than for fruit intake, r = 0.19). Low correlations were observed for vitamin E and D. The average percentage of agreement for carotenoids was 55.8%, and lower for vitamin E and D (50% and 41%, respectively). The FFQ may be an acceptable tool for dietary assessment among male adolescents in Spain.

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

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11102-2 ◽

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.

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

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap395 ◽

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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Abstract P070: The Relationship Between Weight and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Assessed by Serum Carotenoids and Self-Report: Results from the PREMIER Trial

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap070 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Jessie L Parker ◽

Liwei Chen ◽

Diane C Mitchell ◽

Hsin-Chieh Yeh ◽

Cheryl Anderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Average Intake ◽

Serum Carotenoids ◽

The Relationship

Background: Increased intake of fruits and vegetables (F/V) may protect against adiposity, but effects on weight have been inconsistent. Our objective was to examine the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and weight, using direct and indirect measures of dietary intake: self-reported 24-hour recall and serum carotenoid levels. Methods: Participants from the PREMIER lifestyle intervention trial were included in this analysis (n=554). Dietary measures included 24-hour dietary recalls and serum carotenoid levels, from a fasting blood sample. The outcome was weight in pounds. Nested linear mixed models were used to examine the association between F/V and weight. Results: Mean F/V increased from 4.6 (SD 2.4) to 5.6 (SD 3.2) (p=<.01), mean serum carotenoids increased from 53.2 (SD 31.9) to 68.1 (SD 42.5) (p=<.01). At 18 months, participants in the lowest quintile of fruit and vegetable change reported an average intake of 4.42.8 servings of fruits and vegetables, and those in the highest quintile of change reported an average intake of 7.73.2 servings. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, race, gender, intervention, energy, study site, and time, lower body weight was associated with higher F/V intake measured by dietary recall (−0.63 lbs, 95% CI −0.83 to −0.42, per 1 serving increase in F/V) and serum carotenoids (−0.13 lbs, 95% CI −0.15 to −0.11, per 1 ug/dl increase in carotenoids). Results were somewhat attenuated but consistent after additional adjustments for working heart rate, exercise, calories from sugar-sweetened beverages, marital and employment status, and alcohol use . Conclusions: Greater fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with decreased body weight. Results were consistent for both objective and self-reported measures of fruit and vegetable intake.

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Mother-Related Determinants of Children At-Home Fruit and Vegetable Dietary Patterns in a Polish National Sample

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11123398 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 3398 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Barbara Groele ◽

Dominika Głąbska ◽

Krystyna Gutkowska ◽

Dominika Guzek

Keyword(s):

Marital Status ◽

Low Income ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

National Sample ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Level Of Education ◽

At Home

Fruit and vegetable intake is indicated among the features of sustainable diets, while children’s intake is strongly associated with the intake of their parents, as well as the availability of food products and their accessibility at home. The aim of the study was to analyze the mother-related determinants of children at-home fruit and vegetable dietary patterns in a Polish national sample of children aged 3–10 years. The random quota sampling (with quotas for age, education, and place of residence) was conducted to recruit the national representative sample of Polish mothers of children aged 3–10 years (n = 1200) who were interviewed using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method. They were asked about their children’s at-home fruit and vegetable dietary patterns, which were later compared in sub-groups that were stratified for age, educational background, marital status, place of residence, occupational status, and total net income in households. The indicated features, but not marital status, were indicated as determinants of children at-home fruit and vegetable dietary patterns. Children of younger mothers more often than others consumed fruits, whereas those of older mothers consumed vegetables. Children of mothers who had a lower level of education more commonly than others consumed fruits alone as a dish, and they had a higher preference for them, while those of mothers who had a higher level of education had a higher consumption of vegetables than others, although they had a medium preference for them. Children of mothers from villages had a lower consumption of vegetables and fruits than others, although they had a higher preference for fruits. Children of mothers with no professional job had a lower consumption of vegetables than others and more often consumed them processed, although they had a higher preference for fruits and vegetables. Children of mothers with low income had a lower consumption of vegetables than others and more often consumed fruits in a dish with other products, although they had a higher preference for fruits and vegetables. To summarize, an indication of a high preference for fruits and vegetables by mothers is not accompanied by the higher consumption and recommended dietary patterns for fruit and vegetable intake by their children. In particular, the sub-samples of mothers who had a low level of education, were from villages, did not have a professional job, and had low income may either overestimate the fruit and vegetable preference of their children or do not offer them sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables, although they indicate a higher preference. In order to encourage more sustainable diet following, in terms of the fruit and vegetable intake, it is essential to introduce actions toward the properly planned nutritional education for the indicated target groups.

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A Multi-Year Examination of Gardening Experience and Fruit and Vegetable Intake During College

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11092088 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2088 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Daniel Staub ◽

Sarah E. Colby ◽

Melissa D. Olfert ◽

Kendra Kattelmann ◽

Wenjun Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Farmers Markets ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Short Term ◽

Second Year ◽

Locally Grown ◽

Term Data ◽

Time Point

Gardening has been positively associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption based on short-term studies among children, but long-term data among adolescents and young adults are lacking. This investigation sought to elucidate the association between gardening experience and FV intake among college students over a two-year period. Students (N = 593) from eight universities were assessed at the end of their freshman (Y1) and sophomore (Y2) years during the springs of 2016 and 2017, respectively. At each time point, participants completed the NCI FV Screener and questions related to gardening experience and FV-related attitudes and behaviors. Students were then categorized into four groups based on gardening experience: Gardened only during the first or second year (Y1 only and Y2 only gardeners), gardened both years (Y1+Y2 gardeners), and non-gardeners. While both Y1 only and Y1+Y2 gardeners reported significantly higher FV intake relative to non-gardeners at Y1 (2.3 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 0.7 versus 1.9 ± 0.6 cup equivalents (CE)/day, respectively; p < 0.01), only Y1+Y2 gardeners differed from non-gardeners at Y2 (2.4 ± 0.6 versus 1.8 ± 0.5 CE/day; p < 0.001). Additionally, Y1+Y2 gardeners reported more frequent engagement of several FV-related behaviors, including shopping at farmers’ markets, eating locally grown foods, and cooking from basic ingredients; and were five times more likely to have gardened during childhood (OR: 5.2, 95%, CI: 3.5–8.8; p < 0.001). Findings suggest that while isolated gardening experiences during college are associated with FV intake, reoccurring experience may be essential for sustained benefit.

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Factors associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables in schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years of Florianópolis, South of Brazil

Revista de Nutrição ◽

10.1590/1415-52732014000400003 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 413-422 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Carla Regina Galego ◽

Gisele Liliam D'avila ◽

Francisco de Assis Guedes de Vasconcelos

Keyword(s):

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Family Income ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Biological Data ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

P Value ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Santa Catarina ◽

Cross Sectional

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of the fruit and vegetable intake of schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and analyze the associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed food intake, socioeconomic, and biological data of 2,836 schoolchildren. The Chi-square test analyzed the dependent (fruit and vegetable intake) and independent variables; the latter with p-value <0.20 were selected for logistic regression analysis. The level of significance was p<0.05. Results: Only 4.8% of the sample had adequate fruit and vegetable intake. The variables associated with adequate fruit and vegetable intake were school ownership status (private versus public), mother's education level, and family income per member. After adjustment only family income per capita remained associated with fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusion: The fruit and vegetable intake of schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 years from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, is inadequate.

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