Abstract
Previous studies have examined the relationship between specific nutrient and food intakes with limited markers of either inflammation or oxidant status. The objective of this study was to determine if an increase in combined self-reported fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in a community setting was associated with improved multiple markers of inflammatory and oxidant status. A community group (N = 1000, age 18–85 years, 61% female) gave two fasted blood samples separated by 12 weeks. Blood inflammatory biomarkers included total leukocytes (WBC), plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Measured oxidant status markers were ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and plasma F2-isoprostanes. The relation of markers across categories of F&V intake was examined. In analyses controlling for other important dietary and lifestyle factors, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly lower across categories of increasing F&V intakes (p < 0.008). FRAP and ORAC were significantly higher (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.047 respectively) while F2-isoprostanes was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) across F&V categories. In a community study, several markers of both inflammation and oxidant status were associated in a putatively salutary direction by higher intake of combined F&V, supporting current guidelines suggesting increased F&V consumption for the prevention of chronic diseases.
Highlights
IntroductionDiets filled with fruits and vegetables (F&V), containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, have been associated with a lower risk of developing age-related chronic diseases [1]
Diets filled with fruits and vegetables (F&V), containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, have been associated with a lower risk of developing age-related chronic diseases [1].The beneficial components fruit and vegetable (F&V) contain have shown a protective effect against disease-related markers of inflammation and oxidative stress
These research results support the recommendation of high fruit and vegetable intake, suggesting that such intake may be correlated with improved markers of vascular health and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
Summary
Diets filled with fruits and vegetables (F&V), containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, have been associated with a lower risk of developing age-related chronic diseases [1]. The beneficial components F&V contain have shown a protective effect against disease-related markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. The World Health Organization noted that inadequate intake of F&V is one of the leading causes of chronic disease and overall death and mortality worldwide [2]. Recent estimates have reported total worldwide mortality currently attributable to inadequate F&V intake is up to 2.635 million deaths per year [1]. Because F&V intake is known to decrease the risk of chronic diseases, public health strategies to improve F&V intake should be encouraged
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