Differences In Vegetable Intake Research Articles

Internet-based assessment tools for predicting colorectal cancer risk: How do they communicate individualized risk to the young adult?

72 Background: Online prediction tools for cancer risk can inform individuals about their risk and potentially encourage adoption of risk-modifying health behavior. The Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (CCRAT) is an interactive tool developed by the National Cancer Institute for estimating colorectal cancer (CRC) risk for individuals between the ages of 45 and 85 without high risk predisposing conditions. Given the rising incidence of CRC among young adults under age 50, we aimed to investigate the performance of CCRAT in estimating their CRC risk. Methods: An institutional protocol prospectively enrolled 563 patients newly diagnosed with non-hereditary CRC and administered a health behavior questionnaire at baseline. Self-reported demographics, diet and physical activity, medication use, and family history were extracted and entered into the CCRAT ( https://ccrisktool.cancer.gov/calculator.html ) to calculate their predicted 5-year and lifetime CRC risks. Health behaviors and the predicted CRC risks in reference to the population average were compared among three groups: youngest- (aged 18-44, N = 276, 49%), young- (aged 45-50, N = 178, 32%), and older-onset (aged > 50, N = 109; 19%). Results: The patient groups did not significantly differ in gender or in family history of CRC, but the youngest group had significantly more non-White patients (27, 22, vs. 19%; p = 0.008) and distal tumors (80, 76 and 65%; p = 0.05). The youngest and young groups had a higher prevalence of morbid obesity (18 and 15% vs. 12%; p = 0.002) and active smokers (6 and 8% vs. 3%; p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in vegetable intake, moderate exercise, NSAID use, or female hormone use. The 5-year CRC risk was correctly predicted as “higher than average population” for a significantly smaller proportion of the youngest (42%) and young (45%) patients, when compared to their older counterpart (71%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the tool communicated “higher than average” lifetime risk for CRC in only 56 and 60% of the youngest and young patients, but 72% of the older ones (p = 0.021). Conclusions: The existing risk prediction tool inadequately communicated CRC risk for adults younger than 50 years of age. Risk factors underlying young-onset CRC likely differ from and extend beyond those as currently assessed. New tools capturing age-specific risk factors are needed to accurately communicate individualized risk and potentially motivate risk-modifying lifestyles.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake Differences between Body Mass Index (BMI) Classes Among College-Aged Young Adults

ObjectivesObesity continues to be a concern in the United States. A high-fiber diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of obesity and many chronic conditions. However, most Americans consume fewer than the 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended per day by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Health interventions in young adults are likely to produce healthful habits that last a lifetime. This study examined whether fruit and vegetable intake differed between healthy weight and overweight participants in a sample of college-aged young adults.MethodsA survey, including a food frequency questionnaire and self-reported height and weight, measured average daily fruit and vegetable intake in a sample of college-aged young adults (N = 274). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and independent t-test was used to measure differences in fruit and vegetable intake based on BMI classification (healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 [n = 152] vs overweight: BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 [n = 109]). Underweight participants (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 [n = 13]) were excluded from analysis.ResultsFruit intake differed based on BMI classification (p = 0.01). Participants with a healthy weight reported consuming slightly more fruit than overweight participants (1.44 ± 1.66 < vs 1.01 ± 1.04 servings/day). However, there was no significant difference in vegetable intake between healthy weight and overweight participants (p = 0.60, 1.85 ± 1.52 vs 1.76 ± 1.27 servings/day).ConclusionsFiber and water in fruits may contribute to feelings of fullness, decreased overeating, and a healthier weight. While fruit and vegetable consumption can contribute to a healthy weight and other benefits, this study shows that fruit and vegetable consumption are not the sole drivers of a healthy weight. It also suggests the need for education about caloric balance, portion control, and physical activity, which are contributors to weight and BMI status.Funding SourcesNot applicable.

Gender differences in fresh vegetable intake from 1979 to 2017 in Finland

PurposePrevious research has shown that in contemporary societies, women have a healthier dietary intake than men. However, no research has examined how this gender gap develops over the long term. The present study examined how gender differences in fresh vegetable intake frequency have evolved from 1979 to 2017 in Finland and whether differences are affected by age or educational level.Design/methodology/approachThe data were derived from annually repeated, nationally representative “Health Behaviour and Health among the Finnish Adult Population” and “Regional Health and Well-being (RHW)” surveys on the health habits of the Finnish population. The dataset is a time series of repeated cross-sectional surveys. In total, the data sample comprised 161,996 Finns aged 20–64 years. Descriptive methods and logistic regression were used for the analysis.FindingsDuring 1979–2017, the prevalence of daily vegetable intake increased from 12 to 35% among men and from 18 to 56% among women. Thus, the magnitude of the gap between genders doubled across the study period. The increased vegetable intake was partly explained by the changing education and age structures of society. Potential explanations and avenues for future research are also discussed. Policy implications depend on whether the findings are interpreted as a case of health differences or health inequality.Originality/valueThis study used a long time series to analyse how gender differences in vegetable intake have evolved in a Nordic welfare state context. It showed that the gap in fresh vegetable intake between men and women has widened.

COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Changes in Nutrition Behaviors of Older Adults

ObjectivesThe objective of this project was to determine the changes in nutrition behaviors of older adults before and since COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey administered by Qualtrics was used for data collection. The survey was administered between August 9, 2020 through September 15, 2020. The sample size included 9,969 participants with 5,733 females (57%) and 4,236 males (43%). The age ranged from 40 to100 years (M = 62.09, SD = 11.22). The 24-item Dietary Screening Tool (DST) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20: IBM, Inc.) Descriptive statistics were provided as mean and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and frequency and percentages for categorical variables. Differences between nutritional items before and since COVID-19 were examined using paired-sample t-test (11 pairs) for normal distribution, Wilcoxon's signed-rank tests (8 pairs) for nonparametric distributions and McNemar test for 12 yes/no questions (6 pairs).ResultsChanges in consumption before and since COVID-19 were measured. For total participants, drinking alcohol decreased significantly (48.1% vs. 46.9%). The decrease in drinking alcohol was statistical significance with gender (male: 57.2 vs.55.2%; female:41.4% vs. 40.7%). The number of servings of milk, cheese and yogurt decreased significantly since COVID-19 (P < 0.001). Total participants showed a significant decrease in the frequency of eating fruit as a snack, whole grains, popcorn, cakes and pies since COVID-19 (P < 0.001). There was no difference in vegetable intake (carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli or spinach) since COVID-19 (P = 0.644). For White participants, the frequency of meat intake of chicken or turkey (P < 0.001), bacon or sausage (P < 0.0010), and cold cuts, hot dogs, lunchmeats, or deli meats (P = 0.044) were significantly different before and since COVID-19; for Blacks, chicken or turkey (P = 0.004), bacon or sausage (P = 0.033), and for Asians, the frequency of all meats had no significant changes before and since COVID-19.ConclusionsThis study provides nutritional related behaviors of older adults during a period of limited movement and how adjustments are made that could be limiting nutritionally.Funding SourcesHatch Multi-State Research Capacity funding (NE-1939, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

Pilot Study of a Farm-to-Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Intervention Promoting Vegetable Consumption

BackgroundVegetable intake is below recommended levels among adults served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether a novel, theory-driven, farm-to-WIC intervention to promote vegetable intake showed promise of being successful and is therefore appropriate for efficacy testing. DesignFrom June 2019 to January 2020, the intervention was piloted in three WIC agency sites (one randomized to the intervention study group and two to the control group) selected based on similarity in size and the demographics of participants served. Participants/settingRecruited between June 3, 2019 and August 1, 2019, participants were 297 primarily Hispanic adults served by a large WIC agency located in a densely populated urban area in New Jersey (160 were enrolled at the intervention site and 137 at control sites). InterventionThe intervention combined behaviorally focused instruction and handouts with the introduction of a WIC-based farmers’ market, field trips to an area farmers’ market, telephone coaching and support before and after trips, and recipe demonstrations and tastings. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were vegetable intake (measured objectively using dermal carotenoids as a biomarker of intake and via self-report) and the redemption of vouchers provided through the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for fruit and vegetable purchases at farmers’ markets (objectively assessed using data provided by WIC). Statistical analyses performedBetween-group differences in vegetable intake were examined at mid- and post-intervention (3 and 6 months post-baseline, respectively) with linear mixed-effects models adjusted for baseline vegetable intake and covariates. Logistic regression analysis was used to relate FMNP voucher redemption to study group and covariates. ResultsAt mid-intervention, objectively measured vegetable intake was higher among participants in the control group as compared with the intervention group; self-reported intake did not differ by group. Post-intervention, objectively measured and self-reported vegetable intake were higher among participants in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Receipt of the intervention was associated with a greater likelihood of FMNP voucher redemption. Voucher redemption rates were 87% in the intervention group and 28% in the control group (odds ratio = 17.39, 95% confidence interval [8.64, 35.02]). ConclusionsMeaningful associations found between the intervention, vegetable intake, and FMNP voucher redemption suggest that the program is appropriate for efficacy testing.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake and All-Cause Mortality in a Chinese Population: The China Health and Nutrition Survey.

This study was to investigate the association of long-term fruit and vegetable (FV) intake with all-cause mortality. We utilized data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), a prospective cohort study conducted in China. The sample population included 19,542 adult respondents with complete mortality data up to 31 December 2011. Cumulative FV intake was assessed by 3 day 24 h dietary recalls. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause mortality. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, health-related factors, and urban index. A total of 1409 deaths were observed during follow-up (median: 14 years). In the fully adjusted model, vegetable intake of the fourth quintile (327~408 g/day) had the greatest negative association with death compared to the lowest quintile (HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.53–0.76). Fruit intake of the fifth quintile (more than 126 g/day) had the highest negative association (HR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15–0.40) and increasing general FV intake were also negatively associated with all-cause mortality which demonstrated the greatest negative association in the amount of fourth quintile (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49–0.70) compared to the lowest quintile. To conclude, greater FV intake is associated with a reduced risk of total mortality for Chinese adults. High intake of fruit has a stronger negative association with mortality than differences in intake of vegetables. Our findings support recommendations to increase the intake of FV to promote overall longevity.

Evaluation of a PSE School-Based Fruit and Vegetable Intervention (P04-166-19)

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of a policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) intervention, Students Take Charge! (STC) among 4th and 5th grade students from low-income communities on 1) fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, and 2) FV variety, PSE and FV knowledge, and self-efficacy (SE) to ask for FV at school and home. MethodsA quasi-experimental design was used involving six schools over two years. Schools were purposely selected; two schools each year either received STC or standard instruction. The study sample includes students (n = 326 intervention; n = 351 comparison) providing pre and post data (baseline and post-assessment at week 18). SNAP-Ed educators provided the 8-lesson STC curriculum across 18 weeks; comparison students received standard instruction. STC is a school-based PSE intervention focusing on empowering students to make FV based changes at school and at home. STC taught students about wellness policies, persuasive messages, and making requests; it cumulated with a vote to add a student submitted FV-based recipe to the school lunch menu. In addition, STC provided information about the importance of FV intake and variety. Students completed the STC survey at both time points assessing FV intake, variety, knowledge and SE. Analyses compared intervention and comparison students from baseline to post-assessment using ANCOVA (1) and MANOVA (2). ResultsFrom baseline to post-assessment, there were significant differences (P < 0.01) between intervention and comparison students; intervention students decreased fruit intake and variety, increased PSE knowledge and SE in school. There were no differences in vegetable intake, variety or FV knowledge between intervention and comparison students. There was a trend (P = .09) towards increased student SE to ask parents for FV in the home in the intervention students compared to the comparison students. ConclusionsSTC was associated with an increase in PSE knowledge and student SE to ask for FV in school. STC may require additional strategies, including home-based strategies, to increase FV knowledge, intake, and variety behavior changes. Funding SourcesUSDA SNAP-Ed.

A Polish Study on the Influence of Food Neophobia in Children (10-12 Years Old) on the Intake of Vegetables and Fruits.

Adhering to the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables is an important habit that should be inculcated in children, whereas food neophobia is indicated as one of the most important factors creating food preferences that may interfere. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the association between the food neophobia level and the intake of fruits and vegetables in children aged 10–12 years. The study was conducted among a group of 163 children (78 girls and 85 boys). The assessment of the food neophobia level was based on the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) questionnaire and the assessment of the fruit and vegetable intake was based on the food frequency questionnaire. A negative correlation between the food neophobia level and the vegetable intake was observed both for girls (p = 0.032; R = −0.2432) and for boys (p = 0.004; R = −0.3071), whereas for girls differences in vegetable intake were observed also between various food neophobia categories (p = 0.0144). It may be concluded that children with higher food neophobia level are characterized by lower vegetable intake than children with lower food neophobia level. For fruits and juices of fruits and vegetables, associations with food neophobia level were not observed.

Effectiveness of the National School Lunch Program on Fruits and Vegetables Intake Among High School Students

In 2012, improved nutrition standards of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), was implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of the Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010. Increasing children’s fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption is an important goal of the USDA. This study aims to determine whether the implementation of the updated NSLP has any impact on the FV intake among high school students. Data from the 2009, 2011, and 2013 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) were analyzed. The surveys used a three-stage cluster sample design to obtain nationally representative samples of high school students. Selected items from the YRBS surveys included FV consumption, and demographic variables. Two questions were used to elicit fruit intake and 4 questions assessed vegetable intake. Data were analyzed with SAS 9.4. using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Mean scores (times/day) for fruit intake were significantly different from 2011 (1.84 ± 1.84) to 2013 (4.36 ± 2.25) (p<0.05), but not from 2009 (1.84 ± 1.81) to 2011. A significant increase in fruit intake was noted among both genders and ethnic groups from 2011 to 2013. There was no meaningful difference in vegetable intake from 2009 (1.74 ± 1.98) to 2011 (1.82 ± 2.18), and from 2011 to 2013 (1.81 ± 2.12). The updated NSLP may have influenced an increase in fruit intake, but not in vegetable consumption. School nutrition education efforts should be focused on the promotion of vegetable consumption.

Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Social Support, and Vegetable Intake Among Resettled African Refugees in Queensland, Australia

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the interaction of food insecurity, social support, and vegetable intake among resettled Burundian, Congolese, and Rwandan African refugees in Australia. A total of 71 household food preparers were recruited through purposive sampling. Eighteen percent of the participants experienced food insecurity. Participants with low education and no social support were 5 and 4 times more likely to be food insecure, respectively. There were no significant differences in vegetable intake. Results indicate that food insecurity is more prevalent among postresettlement African refugees compared to the general Australian population and is associated with social support and education. Strategies to enhance education and social support networks for resettled African refugees may work toward alleviating food insecurity among this group.

Vegetable intake in Korea: data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1998, 2001 and 2005

The purpose of the present study was to analyse vegetable intake by the Korean population based on different meal formats. Twenty-four-hour dietary recall data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to assess daily vegetable intake and consumption ratio of vegetables for different meal types/dining locations. Analysis was stratified by sex and age group. Daily vegetable intake increased from 293.5 g in 1998 to 305.7 g in 2001 and to 335.9 g in 2005. Findings were similar in men and women, as well as in each age group. Analyses for each meal type revealed that vegetable intake during breakfast did not substantially change, but vegetable intake increased during lunch and dinner. While vegetable consumption ratio during breakfast decreased, it increased during lunch and snack time. Men and women showed similar change in the analysis for meal types and dining locations. There were some differences between the age groups in daily vegetable intake depending on the meal type. Another notable observation was the increasing change of vegetable intake during lunch and during meals eaten at cafeterias and restaurants in all the age groups. Analysis of vegetable consumption ratio showed an increased consumption in cafeterias, restaurants, and other places and decreased vegetable intake at home for those aged 16-64 years with time. Since this change may be related to improvements in socioeconomic status, it will be necessary to further investigate difference in vegetable intake based on socioeconomic levels within the population.

A Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Improves High School Students' Consumption of Fresh Produce

Low fruit and vegetable intake may be associated with overweight. The United States Department of Agriculture implemented the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in 2006-2007. One Houston-area high school was selected and received funding to provide baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables daily for each classroom during this period. This study assessed the impact of the program on students' fruit and vegetable intake. At program end (May 2007), fruit and vegetable intake surveys were distributed to students at the intervention school as well as at a comparison high school that did not receive the program. Surveys, which were completed anonymously, were received from 34% of intervention and 42% of comparison school students. The students were classified as to whether they met the recommended daily intake of fruit, 100% fruit juice, and vegetables. The probability of meeting the recommendations was assessed with logistic regression analyses, controlling for sex, age, and ethnicity. Compared with the comparison control school students, intervention school students were more likely to report eating fruit and drinking 100% fruit juice at least two times per day (39.3% vs 27.3%; P<0.05) and consuming total fruit, juice, and vegetables (22% vs 18.4%; P<0.05) five or more times per day in the preceding 7 days. More intervention school students (59.1%) than comparison school students (40.9%) reported eating fruit at least one time per day ( P<0.05). There were no group differences in vegetable intake. Fresh fruit and vegetable distribution programs provide the opportunity for students to taste a variety of fruits and vegetables, and may improve consumption of these foods by adolescents.

Does Lowering Fat Intake in Children's Diets Result in Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake?: Data from the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH)

LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the impact of CATCH on fruit and vegetable intake among the children in the trial. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for those over 2 years of age. Many school based programs that target fat, saturated fat, and sodium also suggest increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Whether this message was sufficient to effect a change in fruit and vegetable consumption was examined in a secondary analysis of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH), a school-based intervention aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk in a cohort of elementary-school children in California, Louisiana, Minnesota and Texas between 1991 and 1994. The nutrition interventions targeted fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Intervention students were exposed to forty-seven 40-minute nutrition lessons and 15 family education packets, which included, but were not specific to, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Two of the 30 food service guidelines promoted fruits and vegetables. A subsample of 1186 CATCH students who completed a 24-hour recall both in 3rd grade (baseline) and 5th grade (follow-up) were included in the analysis. School-specific recipe and vendor product information was integrated into the recalls where appropriate. Servings of fruits and vegetables consumed by each child were calculated based on total grams of food; all edible sources of plant tissues were included. There was no difference in the number of servings consumed in 5th grade of fruits and vegetables (2.13 and 1.91, respectively) compared to 3rd grade (2.12 and 1.99, respectively). In both grades, vegetable intake was less than the recommended level. Also, there was no significant difference in fruit or vegetable intake between control and intervention students over time. Only one site, Texas, showed an increase in fruit intake among children receiving the intervention as compared to those who did not; there was no difference in vegetable intake. Although the CATCH intervention lowered fat and saturated fat intake, it did not alter fruit and vegetable consumption. We conclude that both dose and specificity of an intervention appear necessary to achieve behavior change. Our findings suggest that effective nutrition messages should be behavior specific and targeted around specific foods or food groups if they are to be expected to achieve dietary changes.