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At least 10% of children worldwide are diagnosed with overweight. Part of this problem is attributed to low vegetable intake, for which preference at a younger age is an indicator. Few studies examined long‐term effects of school garden interventions on the knowledge about and preference for vegetables. Therefore, in this study, an intervention period of 7 months (17 lessons) was organized for primary school students (n = 150) of age 10–12 years in the Municipality of Nijmegen (the Netherlands). Surveys were conducted before and after the intervention period to test the ability of students to identify vegetables, to measure their self‐reported preference for vegetables, and to analyze students' attitudes toward statements about gardening, cooking, and outdoor activity. The long‐term effects were measured by repeating the survey 1 year after the intervention (n = 52). Results were compared with a control group of students (n = 65) with similar background and tested for significance with α = 0.05. School gardening significantly increases the knowledge of primary schoolchildren on 10 vegetables as well as their ability to self‐report preference for the vegetables. The short‐term (n = 106) and long‐term (n = 52) preference for vegetables increased (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. The latter did not show a significant learning effect (p > 0.05). This implies that the exposure to vegetables generated by school gardening programs may increase willingness to taste and daily intake of vegetables on the long term. Students' attitudes toward gardening, cooking, and outdoor activity were unaffected by the intervention. Few studies examined long‐term effects of school garden interventions on the knowledge about and preference for vegetables. School gardening significantly increases the knowledge of primary schoolchildren on 10 vegetables (p < 0.001). Moreover, the short‐ and long‐term preference for vegetables on average increased for several vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adequate nutrition is an important factor for health and well‐being in adolescents and later years. Fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet as important source of nutrients, but their intakes are lower than the recommendations in European countries. This study aimed to compare the choices made by adolescents and older people between three similar dishes, one based on meat, one on fish and one on vegetables, in two different conditions: a neutral (control) situation and an intervention situation in which the vegetable‐based meal was designated ‘dish of the day’. The comparisons of choices will be made within the same age group (adolescents in the control group vs. adolescents in the intervention group; older people in the control group vs. older people in the intervention group). A quasi‐randomised field trial design was used with a sample of 94 adolescents (aged 10–19 years) and 97 older people (aged ≥65 years), who were randomly allocated to intervention or control groups. In the control situation participants were asked to choose between three similar meals, one meat, one fish and one the VeggiEat dish. In the intervention, the VeggiEat dish was labelled the ‘Dish of the day’. All dishes were provided free of charge, displayed side by side in the same order and served in same portions. The dish choices showed no differences between the control and intervention groups in both age groups, and no differences were found among the other variables analysed. This nudging strategy, ‘dish of the day’, seems not to work for the Danish sample of adolescents and older people. Future nudging studies with these populations are needed in order to find the best strategy to move adolescents' and older people's food habits toward a healthier pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although many people intend to eat healthily, they often fail to do so. We report the first randomised trial testing whether smartphone-based support groups can enhance healthy eating. Methods Adults ( N = 203) were randomised to the support or control condition (information), and to one of two eating goals (increasing fruit and vegetable/decreasing unhealthy snack consumption). After baseline, participants received information on their assigned eating goal, and completed a 13-day electronic diary. During Days 4-10, support participants were asked to support each other in achieving their eating goal in smartphone-based groups. The primary outcome was daily servings of fruit/vegetables or unhealthy snacks. Maintenance of intervention effects was assessed on Days 11-13, and at 1-month and 2-month follow-ups. Results Support participants showed a gradual increase in healthy eating over time, and ate 1.4 fruits and vegetables more, 95% CI [0.3, 2.6], or 0.8 unhealthy snacks less, 95% CI [−1.4, −0.2] than controls on Day 10. Most effects were not maintained at follow-ups. Conclusions Smartphone-based groups can promote fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease unhealthy snack intake. This study extends previous findings of the benefits of support groups, and sheds light on the temporal dynamics of behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dietary intentions are supposed to engender planning processes, which in turn stimulate dietary behaviour change. However, some studies failed to find such mediation effects, which suggest more complex and not yet unravelled relationships between these factors. One explanation may be that mediation works better under certain circumstances or only for specific subgroups. This study addresses this reasoning by examining autonomy beliefs and sex as putative moderators of the hypothesized mediation chain.Design and Methods: In a longitudinal design with three measurement points in time (1 week and 1 month apart), 912 women and 214 men were surveyed. Planning, intention, dietary autonomy beliefs, and sex were used to predict fruit and vegetable intake within a conditional process model designed to identify mechanisms of change.Results: The intention-planning-behaviour chain was qualified by a triple interaction involving autonomy beliefs and sex as moderators between intention and planning. Higher dietary autonomy resulted in higher levels of planning fruit and vegetable intake. For men, even in case of higher intention, at least medium levels of autonomy beliefs were necessary to facilitate planning processes. For women, already lower levels of autonomy beliefs can engender postintentional planning strategies and seem to even compensate lower intention.Conclusions: Intention and planning are key predictors of dietary change. However, these variables work better under specific conditions (with a sufficient level of autonomy), and differently in subgroups (men vs. women). These results may explain the inconsistent findings of previous studies on the mediating effect of planning and allow for a better description of the mechanisms by which intentions may influence behaviour. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? The adoption of health-enhancing dietary behaviours can be facilitated by intentions and planning. Planning to eat more fruit and vegetable helps to translate intentions into actual consumption. Fruit and vegetable intake levels are higher in women than in men. What does this study add? Dietary intentions engender more likely planning processes when perceived autonomy concerning food consumption is high. Dietary autonomy beliefs and sex moderate the intention-planning-behaviour chain. Among men, dietary planning is highest when both intentions and autonomy are high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable consumption of Native Americans was compared with that of non- Native Americans and determinants of fruit and vegetable intake for both populations were found based upon the Theory of Planned Behavior. A one-time survey was conducted as part of a larger research project funded by the South Dakota Department of Health. The survey was administered in local grocery stores and supermarkets in six South Dakota communities, including two located on Native American reservations. Of the 1000 distributed surveys, 499 were returned with 230 being usable, resulting in a response rate of 49.9%. Wilcoxon signed-rank test and two regression models were tested using SAS 9.2 software. Dependent variables were fruit and vegetable intake. Attitudes towards health, fruit and vegetable consumption, perceived difficulty, subjective norm and intention were also measured. Community size, family income, employment status and participation in food assistance programmes [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Women, Infants, and Children ( SNAP or WIC)] were socio-demographic control variables. Overall, Native American participants consumed more fruit and vegetables at home and had a more positive attitude towards healthy diets than non- Native American participants. SNAP or WIC participation, family health, exercise, intention to live healthier than parents, buying healthy food, and fruit and vegetable consumption when eating out were positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among Native Americans, while participation in the SNAP or WIC programme had a negative influence on consumption among non- Native American participants. Family health, exercise, buying healthy food, fruit and vegetable when eating out, and intention to buy healthy food were positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among the non- Native American population. Theory of Planned Behavior variables (e.g. attitude towards healthy food) significantly contributed to the model explaining fruit and vegetable consumption. The fact that SNAP and WIC participation had an opposite influence on the two populations warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The quality of vegetables for fresh consumption is a complex issue. In this study the yield and quality of cherry tomato fruits were assessed under different environmental control conditions, namely in a screenhouse (S), in a screenhouse equipped with a fogging system ( SF) and in a screenhouse with complements such as plastic sheeting to maintain the microclimate created by the fogging system ( SFS), as well as under open field ( OF) cultivation. Levels of vitamin C, carotenoids (lycopene, β-carotene and lutein), phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids), sugars (fructose, glucose and sucrose), organic acids (citric acid and malic acid) and flavour indices were measured. The aim of the study was to determine how different environmental control technologies could influence production and quality traits in tomato cherry fruits cultivated in a Mediterranean area. RESULTS The results showed that the fogging system treatment's decline in maximum vapour pressure deficit (by 0.7 kPa compared with OF cultivation), increase in mean fruit weight (by about 4 g per fruit) and low radiation and temperature values may exert a positive effect on lycopene accumulation. CONCLUSION For the production and nutritional parameters measured, it is postulated that the fogging system treatment offers a better balance between production and nutritional quality. This treatment proved to be best in terms of productivity, vitamin C and lycopene contents and antioxidant capacity. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While the protective role of antioxidant nutrients against cancer is well established, data on Asian diets in patients with oral cancer are meagre. Methods A total of 1029 subjects over 30 years of age were investigated on their dietary practices in the Sabaragamuwa province (Sri Lanka) in 2006-07. Data collection tools were an interviewer-administered questionnaire, a three-day food diary and an examination of the oral cavity. Subjects identified with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders ( OPMD) and disease-free controls were analysed in a case-control fashion. Among the OPMDs, those with leukoplakia were separately considered. A further subgroup analysis was undertaken for β-carotene-rich foods. The analysis was stratified by portions of fruit/vegetables consumed as five or more portions and two or more portions daily. Results A low BMI (<18.5) was a significant independent risk factor for the development of OPMD. More than half of both cases and controls consumed less than two portions of fruit/vegetables per day and only 20 subjects consumed more than five portions per day. Intake of more than two portions per day of β-carotene-containing fruits/vegetables significantly reduced the risk of having an OPMD and leukoplakia ( OR = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9). The significant differences observed with BMI and fruits/vegetables were attenuated when adjusted for betel quid chewing, smoking and alcohol use. Conclusions This study discloses prevailing under-nutrition in this rural population with very low daily consumption of fruit/vegetables. Cancer preventive properties in their diets are limited and are swamped by the known carcinogenic agents associated with use of betel quid, tobacco and alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health-promoting property of diets rich in fruits and vegetables is based, in part, on the additive and synergistic effects of multiple antioxidants. In an attempt to further enhance food quality, we introduced into crops the capability to synthesize a yellow antioxidant, aureusidin, that is normally produced only by some ornamental plants. For this purpose, the snapdragon ( Antirrhinum majus) chalcone 4′- O-glucosyltransferase ( Am4'CGT) and aureusidin synthase ( AmAs1) genes, which catalyse the synthesis of aureusidin from chalcone, were expressed in tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum) and lettuce ( Lactuca sativa) plants that displayed a functionally active chalcone/flavanone biosynthetic pathway. Leaves of the resulting transgenic plants developed a yellow hue and displayed higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibiting and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activities than control leaves. Our results suggest that the nutritional qualities of leafy vegetables can be enhanced through the introduction of aurone biosynthetic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The purpose of this persuasion research was to show that self-affirmation (SA) increases intentions in the advocated direction and that these intentions predict actual health behaviour change. That is, these intentions not only serve the function of short-term relief of the threat caused by the persuasive message. We proposed that the effect of SA depends on the level of value-involvement. Design. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (no SA vs. SA) of a between-subjects design. After the SA manipulation, all participants read a threatening health text about the consequences of insufficient fruit and vegetable intake. At pre-test, value-involvement was determined. Methods. Participants included were undergraduate students. The SA manipulation consisted of a writing exercise. After reading the health message, participants reported their intention to eat sufficient fruit and vegetables ( N= 537). After 1 week ( N= 293) and 4 weeks ( N= 261), participants completed self-reports of fruit and vegetable intake. Results. No main effect was found for SA on any outcome measure. We did find that involvement moderated the effect of SA on cooked vegetables consumption. This effect was not present for raw vegetables/salad consumption or for fruit consumption. The moderated effect on cooked vegetable consumption was most evident after 1 week and the effect was mediated by the immediate intentions of participants. Conclusions. SA can lead to genuine intentions that predict actual behaviour, but the effect of SA depends on the type of behaviour and people's value-involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake has been proposed to protect against obesity. The purpose of this paper was to assess the FV consumption to adiposity relationship. Twenty-three publications were included. Inclusion criteria: longitudinal or experimental designs; FV intake tested in relation to adiposity; child, adolescent or adult participants; published in English-language peer-reviewed journals. Exclusion criteria: dietary pattern and cross-sectional designs; participants with health concerns. Experimental studies found increased FV consumption (in conjunction with other behaviours) contributed to reduced adiposity among overweight or obese adults, but no association was shown among children. Longitudinal studies among overweight adults found greater F and/or V consumption was associated with slower weight gain, but only half of child longitudinal studies found a significant inverse association. Limitations in methods prevented a thorough examination of the role of increased FV intake alone or mechanisms of effect. An inverse relationship between FV intake and adiposity among overweight adults appears weak; this relationship among children is unclear. Research needs to clarify the nature of, and mechanisms for, the effects of FV consumption on adiposity. Whether increases in FV intake in isolation from lower caloric intake or increased physical activity will result in declines or slower growth in adiposity remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine the effects of perceived availability of fast-food shops, restaurants, and convenience stores on adolescent dietary intakes. Methods. Survey data from 34 369 students in 42 Hong Kong secondary schools were collected in 2006–7. Respondents reported the availability of fast-food shops, restaurants and convenience stores in the neighbourhood, and their intakes of fruit, vegetables, high-fat foods and junk food/soft drinks. For intakes of high-fat foods and junk food/ soft drinks, ≤once a week was defined as low consumption and the rest moderate/high consumption. At least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit daily were defined as sufficient consumption. Logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (OR) for each dietary intake in relation to the reported food shops. Potential effect modifications by socio-demographic factors were also examined. Results. Perceived availability of fast-food shops and convenience stores were positively associated with moderate/high consumptions of high-fat foods (ORfast =1.10 and ORcon =1.15) and junk food/soft drinks (ORfast=1.10 and ORcon =1.10). Significant negative associations of the perceived availability of restaurants with intakes of vegetables and fruit were observed (ORveg =0.87 and ORfruit =0.83). The positive relationship between reporting fast-food shops with intake of junk food/soft drinks were observed only in boys and those with low perceived family affluence. The negative association of reporting restaurants with fruit consumption was found in those with low and middle perceived family affluence only. Conclusions. Perceived availability of neighbourhood fast-food shops, restaurants, and convenience stores may have a negative impact on adolescent dietary intakes particularly for those from poorer families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to examine consumption of fruit and vegetables in relation to tooth loss and income. Methods: Data were collected in 2004–06, using a three-stage, stratified clustered sample, involving a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI), oral examination and mailed questionnaire followed by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: A total of 14 123 adults responded to the CATI (49% response) of whom 5505 (44% of those interviewed) agreed to undergo an oral epidemiological examination. In the nutrition sub-study, a total of n = 1218 persons were approached in New South Wales and Queensland, with n = 1129 responding (92.7% response rate). Among respondents aged 55 years or more 34.5% had <21 teeth. Adjusting for income the prevalence of infrequent consumption (‘never or less than once a month’) was associated with [PR = prevalence ratio (95% CI)] fewer teeth for the fruits, ‘peach, nectarine, plum, apricot’ PR = 1.91 (1.12, 3.25) and ‘grapes or berries’ PR = 1.69 (1.03, 2.76), and for the vegetables ‘stir-fried or mixed’ PR = 2.34 (1.14, 4.78), ‘sweetcorn’ PR = 1.45 (1.001, 2.10), ‘mushrooms’ PR = 1.62 (1.05, 2.50), ‘lettuce’ PR = 3.99 (1.31, 12.17) and ‘soy beans’ PR = 1.11 (1.01, 1.21). Conclusions: An inadequate dentition was associated with lower consumption of a range of fruits and vegetables indicating that dentition-related impairment of chewing ability could have adverse consequences on nutritional intake among Australian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether the consumption of fruit and vegetable by Chinese primary students in Hong Kong is associated with their mother's (1) nutrition knowledge on fruit and vegetables; (2) attitude towards healthy eating; and (3) fruit and vegetable consumption. Fourth- and fifth-grade students from 10 primary schools located in different districts, along with their mothers, were invited to each fill-in a questionnaire related to their diet intake. Accomplished questionnaires were matched and analysed. There were 1779 mother–child pairs who were successfully matched. Chi-square analysis revealed that students' fruit consumption is associated with their mother's (1) knowledge on fruit and vegetables ( P = 0.006); (2) attitude towards healthy eating ( P = 0.010); and (3) fruit consumption ( P < 0.001). Students' vegetable consumption exhibited the same association with their mother's (1) knowledge ( P < 0.001), (2) attitude towards healthy eating ( P = 0.005), and (3) vegetable consumption ( P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that knowledge, attitude and dietary practice of mothers were independent factors associated with the consumption of fruit and vegetables by students and are not influenced by the level of education and household income. The results highlight the important role of parents in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption to primary students. It reaffirmed the importance of parent nutrition education in the formulation of a comprehensive health promotion strategy to school-aged children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Issue addressed: This paper outlines the implementation strategies and evaluation methods of the Tooty Fruity Vegie (TFV) in Preschools program in NSW Australia which addressed diet, movement skills and overweight indicators. Methods: The TFV program was a one-year intervention conducted during 2006 and 2007 in 18 preschools (matched with 13 control preschools). The study had a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention evaluation of nutrition and physical activity variables as well as anthropometric measures. Details of the program's methodological aspects such as the recruitment process, intervention strategies and evaluation instruments are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue addressed: Young men aged 18-44 years eat less fruit and vegetables than other population groups. Evidence shows that fruit and vegetables offer protection against certain cancers, particularly cancers of the digestive tract. Methods: Seven age-stratified focus groups were undertaken with men aged 18-40 years. The participants discussed factors influencing their consumption of fruit and vegetables, and identified potential approaches to promote these foods to young men. The transcribed data was analysed by the two researchers independently. Key themes were identified and interpreted. Results: Factors affecting the consumption of fruit and vegetables included taste and satiety, perishability, 'invincibility' to health risk, passive consumption of foods, and the low ranking of fruit and vegetables in men's culture. The younger men (18-25 years) were more likely to report socio-cultural barriers. They recommended product revamping and packaging for fruit. The older subgroup (26-40 years) was more interested in male-oriented cooking events. Conclusions: The male participants had no difficulty in engaging with fruit and vegetables as a discussion topic. They did not dislike fruit and vegetables, but were often passive consumers as women were the prime food preparers. As well as the often cited barriers, they revealed that eating fruit and vegetables was not viewed as part of young men's culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of the present study was to determine the level of agreement between child and parent reports of 9- to 10-year-old children's consumption of fruit and vegetables and potential family–environmental determinants. Methods Schoolchildren and their parents completed parallel questionnaires at baseline and at follow-up (1 year later) about usual fruit and vegetable consumption of the child, potential determinants and general demographics. Matched child–parent couples were included in the analyses (baseline = 380; follow-up = 307). To assess the level of agreement between child and parent reports at both points in time, dependent-sample t-test, correlation coefficients, weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients and Bland–Altman plots including limits of agreement were used. Results Both at baseline and at follow-up, the mean intake of fruit and vegetable reported by the children were significantly higher than reported by their parents, but differences were smaller at follow-up. Correlation coefficients between child and parent reports (0.28–0.43) and weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients (0.25–0.28) were weak to moderate. Limits of agreement were wide. Conclusion The agreement between parent and child reports is weak to moderate and may depend on the age of the child. Fourth graders may overestimate their own intake of fruit and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To relate the use of identified processes that college women use to eat enough fruits and enough vegetables to their stages of readiness to change and their fruit and vegetable (F/V) intakes. Method A cross-sectional assessment of college women 18–24 years of age ( n = 236) was conducted to assess stage of readiness to eat F/V. Use of seven processes, earlier confirmed in a separate sample of college students the same age (health concerns, self-reevaluation, social liberation, health commitment/action, interpersonal control, external reinforcement and helping relationships) was compared with stage of change for F/V and 3 days of dietary intakes. Results In these young college women, use of self-reevaluation, a cognitive process for change, peaked in the preparation stage for both F/V. Use of health commitment/action, a post-action process including counter-conditioning, peaked in those in action/maintenance for F/V. Weight concerns related to the counter-conditioning processes women used to eat more fruit. Conclusion Health practitioners should focus on weight management, appearance and health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables for this demographic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To review the current literature about potential determinants of fruit and vegetable intakes and effective intervention strategies to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables among 6–12-year-old children. Methods A structured review of literature located in PubMed and Psychinfo electronic literature databases. Results Of all determinants, the availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables and taste preferences were most consistently and most positively related to consumption. There was some evidence that parental fruit and vegetable intakes, knowledge of intake recommendations and skills had a positive association with children's intakes, whereas television viewing, exposure to television advertisement, and having a snack bar at school were associated with lower intakes of fruit and vegetables. Multi-component school-based interventions that combined classroom curriculum, parent and food service components showed the greatest promise for fruit and vegetable promotion among children. School fruit and vegetable subscription programmes, scout-based interventions, and fruit and vegetables education via computer multi-media channels also appear promising. Conclusions Interventions should improve the availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables to children, and should aim to improve their taste preferences for them. Such interventions should be of a multi-component nature, school-based or use other social channels and may include multi-media channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular intake of plant sterol (phytosterol)-enriched foods enhances the cholesterol lowering effect of diets. One side effect associated with plant sterol consumption is a modest reduction in plasma carotenoid concentrations. This study investigated the effect of consuming a low-fat National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) Step 1 diet, including a low-fat plant sterol ester (PSE)-enriched spread on cholesterol metabolism to determine if specific dietary advice to increase daily fruit and vegetable intake could prevent reduced plasma carotenoid concentrations.In this randomised, crossover double-blind trial, 48 hypercholesterolaemic men received 21 g day−1 of a low-fat PSE-enriched spread or placebo for 3 weeks, interrupted by 3 weeks washout. Individuals also adhered to a NCEP Step 1 diet and repeated 3-day food diaries monitored adherence. Specific advice was provided to increase dietary fruit and vegetable intakes. Fasting blood samples were collected at pre- and post-intervention for lipoprotein and carotenoid analysis.Plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced, by 4.6 and 7.1%, respectively, after the PSE-enriched low-fat spread. Plasma apo B concentrations were significantly (P < 0.0005) lower after the PSE spread. PSE consumption was also associated with significantly (P < 0.05) lower total plasmaβ-carotene concentrations, but this change was not significant after lipid standardisation. PSE consumption had no effect on retinol,α-carotene,γ-tocopherol,α-tocopherol, lutein, zeaxanthin,β-crypyoxanthin or lycopene concentrations.Dietary advice to increase daily fruit and vegetable consumption may be effective in preventing a reduction in plasma carotenoid concentrations previously associated with PSE consumption. Further, PSE incorporated in a low-fat spread and consumed as part of a NCEP Step 1 diet are effective in reducing total and LDL cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetarians are often a little leaner compared with nonvegetarians and suffer less from obesity and its associated complications than nonvegetarians. Whether this is because of not eating meat specifically is unclear. We investigated whether changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet resulted in changes to anthropometric measurements. Subjects ( n = 33; seven males and 26 females) who were in the earliest stages of becoming vegetarian were observed for 6 months. Data on dietary intake, using a 3-day estimated dietary diary, and body composition were obtained at baseline and after 6 months of following a self-selected vegetarian diet. Dietary calculations showed that on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet, there was a significant reduction ( P < 0.05) in energy intake (8.9 MJ day−1 versus 8.1 MJ day−1), and in the proportion of energy from saturated fatty acids (12.9% versus 11.3%) and a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in the proportion of energy from carbohydrates (44.9% versus 47.5%) and in intake of nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) (1.6 g MJ−1 versus 2.0 g MJ−1). Significant reductions in mid-upper arm circumference, calculated body fat, biceps and triceps skinfolds and waist and hip circumferences were observed. No reduction in body weight was observed. The findings of our study suggest that significant dietary changes, helping people to conform more closely to current dietary recommendations, occurred when people became vegetarian. In this study we did not find any significant change in body weight, but significant reductions were observed in skinfold thickness and waist : height ratio which imply that on changing to a self-selected vegetarian diet, the subjects became leaner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Debit card payment systems are known to induce more frivolous purchases in adults, but their impact on children is unknown. Design and Methods Using a national survey of 2,314 public school students in the United States, food purchases in schools with debit-only systems to those in schools with both debit and cash options are compared. Results Students in debit and cash schools purchase more fresh fruit and vegetables and fewer total calories. Conclusions Payment systems with cash options have a lower purchase incidence of less healthy foods and higher purchase incidence of more healthy foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents abstracts of studies on nutritional control of immunity in health and chronic disease, presented at the Experimental Biology/International Union of Psychological Sciences 2005 congress held in San Diego, California. "Effect of In Vitro Supplementation With Tea Catechin, Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), on T Cell Mediated Immune Response," by Dayong Wu, Katie Crupi et al.; "A High Intake of Vegetables and Fruit Reduces CRP in Healthy Male Nonsmokers," by Bernhard Watzl, Sabine Kulling et al.; "Conditions in Which T10, C12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Is Pro-Inflammatory," by Daniel E. Butz, Mark E. Cook et al.

Presents abstracts of studies on dietary fiber, fruits, vegetables and grains, presented at the Experimental Biology/International Union of Psychological Sciences 2005 congress held in San Diego, California. "Hydrolyzed Wheat Bran With Increased Soluble Fiber Content Lowers LDL Cholesterol," by Michael Lefevre, Eric Gugger et al.; "Effects of Consuming Oat β-Glucan on Blood Pressure and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Men and Women With Elevated Blood Pressure," by Kevin C. Maki, Ron Galant et al.; "Efficacy of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Containing Amylase Resistant Starch or Rice Based ORS in the Treatment of Severely Malnourished Children With Cholera," by Sufia Islam, M. Abely et al.

Background High levels of consumption of fruit and vegetables, which contain antioxidant nutrients including vitamins C and E as well as β-carotene, are associated with reduced rates of atherosclerotic arterial disease and some cancers. Low plasma levels of these micronutrients are associated with an increased risk of chronic degenerative disease. While increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables would be desirable, many factors including cost tend to prevent this. Preparations of the active components of fruit and vegetables encapsulated to achieve convenience may contribute to solving this problem. Aims This study was designed to determine whether two such supplements prepared from dehydrated fruit and vegetable extracts (Juice Plus+™ Fruit and Juice Plus+™ Vegetable) would result in elevation in blood concentrations of antioxidants to levels associated with lower disease risk. Methods Sixteen healthy subjects (eight male, eight female, aged 18–52 years) were screened to exclude disease and to exclude any individual with a serum β-carotene below 0.05 µmol L–1, and were divided into two groups of eight, each to consume either the fruit or vegetable preparation. Four days before administration of the capsules the subjects commenced a low β-carotene diet. Venous blood samples for determination of vitamin C, vitamin E (as α-tocopherol) and β-carotene were taken in the morning on days 0, 2, 4, 6 and 7, after a 10-h fast. Two capsules of either the fruit preparation (containing vitamin E 30 mg, vitamin C 150 mg and β-carotene 6 mg) or vegetable preparation (containing vitamin E 30 mg, vitamin C 50 mg and β-carotene 9 mg) were taken on days 0–6 inclusive with a 610-kcal breakfast (47% energy from fat). Results Serum β-carotene levels rose significantly by 0.56 µmol L–1 and 0.54 µmol L–1 after fruit and vegetable preparations, respectively, by day 7, vitamin E levels rose significantly by 3.1 µmol L–1 after the fruit preparation but not after the vegetable preparation and vitamin C rose significantly from 28 to 62 µmol L–1, and from 32 to 50 µmol L–1 after the fruit and vegetable preparations, respectively. Plasma malondialdehyde, regarded as a general indicator of peroxidation, fell significantly by 19 × 10–5 µmol L–1 (about a 40% reduction) in both treatment groups. Conclusions These results indicate that concentrated extracts of fruits and vegetables can raise blood antioxidant levels into the ranges associated with reduced risk of disease and that this reduces the concentration of a general measure of lipid peroxidation. Further studies, especially in those with disease characterized by increased oxidative stress, are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]