Increased Fruit and Vegetable Intake May Reduce the Nutrition-Related Health Disparities in African Americans

Abstract

Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States have higher rates of nutrition-related health problems than whites. African Americans have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. The cause for the disparity in these diseases and conditions is complex and multifaceted, and lifestyle factors are clearly implicated. African Americans have a lower intake of fruit and vegetables and poorer overall diet quality scores than other minority and majority populations, and it is possible that such differences contribute to health disparities. Modification in eating patterns is likely to improve the health outlook, but implementing changes requires attention to both personal behaviors and the food environment. Access to healthy foods is attenuated in many low-income and predominately African American neighborhoods, leaving residents overweight and undernourished. It is important to consider availability and access to healthy foods, including fruit and vegetables, as part of a culturally sensitive intervention strategy to reduce nutrition-related health disparities in African Americans.