Daily Consumption Of Vegetables Research Articles

Risk Factors for Acute Myocardial Infarction in Latin America

Current knowledge of the impact of cardiovascular risk factors in Latin America is limited. As part of the INTERHEART study, 1237 cases of first acute myocardial infarction and 1888 age-, sex-, and center-matched controls were enrolled from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala, and Mexico. History of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, psychosocial factors, anthropometry, and blood pressure were recorded. Nonfasting blood samples were analyzed for apolipoproteins A-1 and B-100. Logistic regression was used to estimate multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Persistent psychosocial stress (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 2.07 to 3.82), history of hypertension (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 2.39 to 3.31), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 2.09 to 3.22), current smoking (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.97 to 2.71), increased waist-to-hip ratio (OR for first versus third tertile, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.14), and increased ratio of apolipoprotein B to A-1 (OR for first versus third tertile, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.83 to 2.94) were associated with higher risk of acute myocardial infarction. Daily consumption of fruits or vegetables (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.78) and regular exercise (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.82) reduced the risk of acute myocardial infarction. Abdominal obesity, abnormal lipids, and smoking were associated with high population-attributable risks of 48.5%, 40.8%, and 38.4%, respectively. Collectively, these risk factors accounted for 88% of the population-attributable risk. Interventions aimed at decreasing behavioral risk factors, lowering blood pressure, and modifying lipids could have a large impact on the risk of acute myocardial infarction among Latin Americans.

Issue Highlights

Issue Highlights

Cadmium exposure pathways in a population living near a battery plant

The objectives of the present study were to assess the relative impact of different pathways of environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure and to evaluate the contribution from locally produced vegetables and root crops to the total dietary intake of Cd. Cadmium in urine was determined for 492 individuals living near a closed down battery factory in Sweden. For each individual we created an environmental exposure-index based on Cd emissions to ambient air and number of years living at various distances from the plant. This information as well as dietary data were collected via questionnaires. Samples of soil, carrots and/or potatoes were collected from 37 gardens and analysed for Cd concentration. Eating home grown vegetables/potatoes, environmental Cd-exposure-index, female gender, age above 30 years and smoking more than one pack of cigarettes daily for at least 10 years were found to be significantly associated with increased urine concentrations of Cd (UCd>1.0 nmol/mmol creatinine). We found a statistically significant relation between Cd in urine and environmental Cd-exposure-index in persons eating home grown vegetables/potatoes regularly. Cd concentrations in home grown carrots, potatoes and in garden soil were highest in the area closest to the factory. Daily consumption of potatoes and vegetables cultivated in the vicinity of the closed battery factory was estimated to increase Cd intake by 18-38%. The present study shows that consumption of locally grown vegetables and root crops was an important exposure pathway, in subjects living near a nickel-cadmium battery plant, whereas direct exposure via ambient air was less important.

Stat Bite: Daily Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Stat Bite: Daily Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Immunity and antioxidant capacity in humans is enhanced by consumption of a dried, encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrate.

The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is a common dietary recommendation to support good health. We hypothesized that a commercially available encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (FVJC) could support functional indices of health due to increased intake of various phytonutrients. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled investigation of 59 healthy law students who consumed either FVJC or placebo capsules for 77 d. Blood was collected on d 1, 35, and 77 to examine the number of circulating alphabeta- and gammadelta-T cells, cytokine production, lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant status, and levels of carotenoids and vitamin C. A log of illnesses and symptoms was also kept. The FVJC group tended to have fewer total symptoms than the placebo group (P < 0.076). By d 77 there was a 30% increase in circulating gammadelta-T cells and a 40% reduction in DNA damage in lymphocytes in the FVJC group relative to the placebo group. Plasma levels of vitamin C and of beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein increased significantly from baseline in the FVJC group as did plasma oxygen radical absorptive capacity (50%). Interferon-gamma produced by phorbol-stimulated lymphocytes was reduced 70% in the FVJC group, whereas other cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta) were unchanged relative to treatment or time. FVJC consumption during this study period resulted in increased plasma nutrients and antioxidant capacity, reduction in DNA strand breaks, and an increase in circulating gammadelta-T cells.

P100: Using Nutrition Education to Increase Healthy Habits of Limited Resource Children and their Caregivers

One out of three children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 is overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. This trend causes great concern for the health of the children both now and when they become adults. This study assessed the food choices of limited resource children ages 6-13 and their caregivers before and after a ten week nutrition education intervention. The program was evaluated using pre/post surveys. Data was collected from the caregivers of the children. The program encompasses the food guide pyramid, physical activity, food safety and cultural foods. It was taught through a community center summer enrichment program and an after school program. A one-hour lesson consisting of nutrition education, physical activity and a healthy snack was provided each week. In addition, to educate the caregiver, a letter went home with the children highlighting the day's events and educational points. Forty-five children from limited resource families attending summer or after school programs participated. Positive outcomes were seen for participants and their families. 25% of the children and 18% of the families reported decreasing their daily consumption of French fries and chips. 25% of the families are considering increasing their intakes of fruits and vegetables each day while 29% of the children actually increased their daily consumption of vegetables. 17% more of the children eat breakfast after completion of this program. These results suggest that a small amount of nutrition education can make an impact on children and their caregivers. This project was funded in part by USDA/FNS.

Intake of Vitamin A and Carotenoids from the Italian Population – Results of an Italian Total Diet Study

The present study focused on vitamin A and carotenoids (alpha-and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene) daily intake from the Italian total diet. The input of some food groups (cereals, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy, meat and meat products, fish) most responsible for major and minor contributions to the daily intake of these molecules was evaluated. Furthermore the contribution to the dietary intake of beta-carotene and lutein of the most consumed vegetables in the market basket of the Italian total diet (beets, brassica vegetables, carrots, chicory, courgette (zucchini), green beans, lettuce, peas, pepper, spinach, tomatoes) was also investigated. Vitamin A daily intake was 855 mg/person/day. The vegetables food group made the greatest contribution (37%), followed by the meat and meat products food group (23%). The Italian total diet provided 14.3 mg/person/day of carotenoids; lycopene was the highest (7.4 mg/day), followed by lutein + zeaxanthin (4 mg/day), beta-carotene (2.6 mg/day), alpha-carotene (0.15 mg/day), and beta-cryptoxanthin (0.17 mg/day). Carrots and tomatoes were the main sources of beta-carotene in the diet, otherwise the daily consumption of leafy vegetables (spinach, beets, lettuce) made the main contribution to lutein + zeaxanthin daily intake.

Soil arsenic availability and the transfer of soil arsenic to crops in suburban areas in Fujian Province, southeast China

The bioavailability, soil-to-plant transfer and associated health risks of arsenic in soils collected from paddy rice fields and vegetable fields in suburban areas of some major cities of Fujian Province were investigated. The total soil concentrations of arsenic ranged from 1.29 to 25.28mg kg−1 with a mean of 6.09mg kg−1. Available (NaH2PO4-extractable) arsenic content accounted for 0.7–38.2% of total soil arsenic and was significantly correlated with total soil arsenic content. For the vegetable soils, the available fraction (ratio of available As to total As) of arsenic decreased with decreasing silt (particle size 0.02–0.002mm) and free iron (DCB extractable) contents and with increasing soil pH and organic matter content. The available fraction of arsenic in the paddy rice soils increased with increasing free iron and organic matter contents and decreasing soil pH and silt content. The correlation of NaH2PO4-extractable arsenic with the arsenic concentration of the vegetables was much better than that of total As. The transfer factor based on the soil available arsenic (TFavail) was chosen to compare the accumulation ability of the various crops. The TFavail values of rice grains (air-dried weight basis) ranged between 0.068 and 0.44 and were higher than those of the vegetables, ranging from 0.001 to 0.12. The accumulation ability of the crops decreased in the order of rice>radish>water spinach>celery>onion>taro>leaf mustard>fragrant-flowered garlic>pakchoi>Chinese cabbage>lettuce>garlic>cowpea>cauliflower>bottle gourd>towel gourd>eggplant. Daily consumption of rice and other As-rich vegetables could result in an excessive intake of arsenic, based on the provisional tolerable intake for adults for arsenic recommended by WHO.

Food group consumption and self‐rated diets of elderly community‐dwelling Canadian males. The Manitoba Follow‐up Study

Healthy eating perceptions and food group consumption practices of elderly men are largely unexplored. Self-reported nutrition data, obtained via mailed questionnaires in 2000, from 1,211 Canadian male respondents (mean age 82 years) participating in the Manitoba Follow-up Study were analyzed. This survey examined the frequency of food items consumed (at least once per day, most days, or rarely). Food items were categorized into four food groups based on Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Respondents consumed vegetables/fruit (64%) and grain products (57%) at least once per day, and meat/alternatives (81%) most days. Milk products were equally consumed at least once per day (47%) or most days (47%). Using multiple logistic regression models, controlling for demographic variables, a linear relationship was found between the increasing consumption of vegetables/fruit and grain products and healthier self-rated diets. Daily consumption of vegetables/fruit or grain products significantly predicted healthier self-rated diets, OR=1.80 (95%CI=1.32, 2.45) and OR=1.36 (95%CI=1.01, 1.84), respectively. Those consuming meat/alternatives or milk products “at least once per day” or “rarely” both rated their diets as healthier than those consuming these items “most days”. Daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grain products is viewed to be important for overall health and is positively associated with healthier self-rated diets among Canadian elderly males. Supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Fruit and vegetable intake: Few adolescent girls meet national guidelines

Objective.To examine longitudinal changes in daily fruit and vegetable consumption among black and white adolescent girls and calculate the percent of girls who met the Healthy People 2010 recommendations. Methods.Girls (1186 black and 1126 white) who participated in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth Health Study (NGHS) were included if they had completed a 3-day food diary for at least one of six annual assessments visits, beginning at ages 11 or 12. Mixed models estimated the association of visit and race with (a) average daily consumption of fruits and vegetables and (b) the probability of meeting intake recommendations on one or more out of 3 days. Results.For girls of both races, fruit and vegetable consumption increased with age; white girls showed a greater increase in fruit and nutrient-rich vegetable intake than black girls. Across visits, girls consumed considerably fewer than the recommended daily servings of fruits (1.0–1.5), vegetables (1.7–2.5), or nutrient-rich vegetables (0.25). Most girls (95%) failed to meet Healthy People 2010 recommendations. Conclusions.Public health efforts are needed to meet Healthy People 2010 objectives.

Dietary habits of medical and pharmacy students at Semmelweis University, Budapest

The lack of data regarding dietary and lifestyle habits of Hungarian university students prompted us to undertake a cross-sectional pilot study of students of Semmelweis University, Budapest. A total of 264 students (78 males with mean age of 21.4±2.6 y and 186 females with a mean age of 21.2±2.6 y) were involved in the study. The questionnaires contained inquiries of energy and nutrient intake, use of vitamin and mineral supplements, food frequency, meal frequency and physical activity. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS for Windows 9.0. The energy, protein and fat intake was somewhat higher than the Hungarian Recommended Dietary Allowances (HRDA) (BIRÓ & LINDNER, 1999). Sodium intake was alarmingly high. Vitamin D consumption was inadequate. The intake of the members of vitamin B group with exception of B12 and niacin was insufficient. The daily consumption of milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables was deficient. The meal pattern was unbalanced. Only 66% of males and 52% of females were involved in a regular physical activity. Our results suggest that nutrition should be introduced into the medical curriculum as a separate and full-fledged course of study.

CADMIUM BODY BURDEN IN RELATION TO CONCENTRATIONS IN SOIL AND VEGETABLES IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY EXPOSED POPULATION

ISEE-122 Introduction: It is well known that cadmium exposure may cause kidney damage, initially detected as a tubular dysfunction, assessed by measuring certain proteins and enzymes in urine. Recent studies have indicated that the kidney damage may occur also at low levels of environmental cadmium exposure. Cadmium body burden can be estimated by cadmium in urine (U-Cd), and a Swedish study (the OSCAR study) has shown a dose-response relationship with a ten percent prevalence of tubular proteinuria at U-Cd = 1.0. Aim: However, the exposure pathways are less clear and the present study aimed to assess the relative impact of different pathways of exposure to cadmium on the absorbed dose and body burden in a subgroup of the OSCAR population, who lived near a battery plant. The study also aimed to evaluate the contribution of locally produced food (vegetables) to total dietary cadmium intake. Methods: Cadmium levels in urine were determined in 492 individuals living near a closed down battery factory in Sweden. For each individual we created an environmental exposure-index based on emission data from the factory and number of years living at various distances from the plant. These data, as well as information on dietary habits and confounders, were collected via questionnaires. Samples of soil, carrots and/or potatoes were collected from 38 gardens and analyzed for cadmium. Results: Cadmium concentrations in carrots, potatoes and soil were high in the area near the factory. Daily consumption of potatoes and vegetables grown in the vicinity of the battery plant was estimated to increase cadmium intake by 40-60%. Increased U-Cd concentrations of cadmium (over 1.0 nmol/mmol creatinine) were significantly associated with intake of homegrown vegetables, environmental cadmium-exposure-index, female gender, age above 30 years and smoking an amount equivalent to one pack of cigarettes for more than 10 years. No increased U-Cd levels were shown in non-smokers, who did not eat homegrown vegetables, suggesting negligible exposure via ambient air. Conclusion: The present study shows that consumption of locally grown food constituted an important exposure pathway in subjects living near a nickel-cadmium battery plant, whereas exposure via ambient air was less important.

Factors associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables in south-east Hungary

Several risk factors of diet-related diseases are present in the nutrition of the Hungarian population. The aim of the study was to investigate the health status and the association of the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables as indicators of healthy diet with sociodemographic factors, health behaviours in the south-eastern part of Hungary. In 2002, a cross-sectional study based on interviewer-administered questionnaires was conducted in the south-eastern part of Hungary. The sample comprised of 3419 people, aged between 15 and 75, with about 40 persons from each practice. The results demonstrated that fruit and vegetable consumption of the studied population were determined by certain demographical, economical and lifestyle factors, and were also associated with self-assessed health and health status. Altering the habits of nutrition is an integral part of health intervention programs. Success rate may, however, be largely reduced by the social and economic background of the habits in question.

Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Clearance of Type-Specific Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infections in a Cohort of University Students

Previous findings regarding risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence, other than viral determinants, identified from prospective cohort studies have been inconsistent in part because study designs have differed with respect to differing HPV detection methods and varying lengths of follow-up time. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to continue the search for epidemiologic risk factors of persistent cervical HPV infections and determine what behaviors differed between those women with transient HPV infections and those women who cannot clear their type-specific HPV infections. Female university students (n = 621) in Montreal were followed for 24 months at 6-month intervals. At each visit, a cervical cell specimen was collected. HPV DNA was detected using the MY09/MY11 PCR protocol and 27 HPV genotypes were identified by the line blot assay (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Alameda, CA). Proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the crude and adjusted hazard ratios of clearing a type-specific high-risk (n = 222) or low-risk (n = 105) HPV infection over time according to specific baseline and time-dependent covariates. Daily consumption of vegetables seemed to increase the rate of HPV clearance independent of type. The use of tampons was associated with a reduced rate of high-risk HPV clearance, whereas regular condom use was associated with an increased rate of low-risk HPV clearance only. Some proactive measures can be taken to increase the rate of HPV clearance, and there may be some differences between the sets of predictors of low-risk and high-risk HPV clearance.

Daily consumption of phenolics and total antioxidant capacity from fruit and vegetables in the American diet

AbstractThe daily intake of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidants in the American diet was estimated from the most common 34 fresh fruit and vegetables and their daily consumption data. Among 14 fruit and 20 vegetables, orange contributed the highest amount of total phenolics [117.1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) person−1day−1] and antioxidants [146.6 mg vitamin C equivalents (VCE) person−1day−1]. Orange contributed about 26 and 25% of total phenolics and antioxidant, respectively, in the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables. Apples showed relatively high levels of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity comparable to those of oranges and their phenolics and antioxidants contribution is the second highest. Even though potatoes had lower levels of phenolics and antioxidant capacity, they were third due to the fact that their consumption is the highest (137.9 lb person−1year−1) in the American diet. Although plums and strawberries were ranked as the group with the highest total phenolics and antioxidant capacity among 34 tested fruit and vegetables, their contributions were relatively low due to their lower daily consumption. Generally, the levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of fruits were higher than those of vegetables. American daily intake of phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables was estimated to be 450 mg GAE, 103 mg catechin equivalents and 591 mg VCE, respectively. Although we do not yet know the required minimum daily amounts of antioxidants, when we estimate the daily requirement of antioxidants, we must consider not only the antioxidant concentrations of the particular food, but also the daily intakes of the food. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry

CIHR Research: INTERHEART: Nine Factors That Could Save Your Life

No matter where you live, how old you are or what you look like, health researchers have recently discovered that 90% of the most common cardiovascular event, the first heart attack (myocardial infarction), can be attributed to nine modifiable risk factors. The risk factors include: cigarette smoking, an abnormal ratio of blood lipids, high blood pressure, diabetes, abdominal obesity, stress, a lack of daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as a lack of daily exercise.

Prevalence of overweight and associated risk factors among primary female school children in Al-Ain city United Arab Emirates

Obesity is currently an escalating epidemic that affects many countries in the world including the Gulf region where this condition is responsible for an increasing death rates annually. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and associated risk factors in primary female school children in Al Ain city, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Height and weight were measured in a sample of 900 female primary school children aged between 5-14 years. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for each child. Children were categorized according to age and specific percentile of BMI using 2000 CDC BMI-age growth charts. A questionnaire addressing food habits, food consumption and life style (TV watching and physical activity) was completed. The results showed that the prevalence of the risk of overweight and overweight were 11.1% and 15.8% respectively. Sixty percent of children consumed chips and chocolates daily while 28% and 32.2% reported a daily consumption of vegetables and fruits respectively. Viewing TV more than 2h/day, parents obesity, breakfast intake and physical activity were significantly associated with a higher risk of overweight. Results indicated that a high prevalence of overweight exists among primary school female children. This calls for aggressive prevention strategies which, if successful, may significantly reduce adult obesity.

Characteristics Influencing Daily Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables and Low-Fat Dairy Products in Older Adults with Hypertension

The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics that may influence fruit, vegetable, and dairy intake in older adults with hypertension. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a random sample of older adults who participate in a Pennsylvania pharmaceutical assistance program. Among those who reported having hypertension (N = 592), daily fruit/vegetable intake was more prevalent among women, those who were older, and those who spent more time with others. Daily intake of dairy foods was more prevalent among women and whites as well as those who exhibited certain health-conscious behaviors and those who spent more time with others.

Allylnitrile: generation from cruciferous vegetables and behavioral effects on mice of repeated exposure

The objective of the present study was to examine the possible generation of allylnitrile from commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables, and to determine the long-term behavioral effects of its oral administration at levels comparable to or greater than human dietary exposures. On the basis of gaschromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses, allylnitrile generation was observed in eight out of twelve vegetables, broccoli, broccoli (young stems and leaves), brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chinese cabbage, komatsuna and kaiware-daikon (young stems and leaves). The daily dietary intake of allylnitrile was estimated to be at least 0.12 μmol/kg body weight for Japanese, based on its generation from the vegetables, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage and their daily dietary consumption. Mice received oral doses of 2, 20, 200, 500 and 1,100 μmol/kg allylnitrile once a day, 5 days per week for 13 weeks. Mice in the lower dosage groups of 2, 20 and 200 μmol/kg exhibited no behavioral changes. Mice dosed at the level of 500 μmol/kg showed restlessness, and one of them displayed alteration in tail hanging. These abnormalities were seen around seven days following the beginning of the treatment period. Animals in the highest dosage group elicited behavioral abnormalities, and their degree increased with increasing dosage. These results suggest that allylnitrile intake levels through daily vegetable consumption is below the level producing behavioral abnormalities.

In this issue

In this issue