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Background. Developing global approaches to the problem of low fruit and vegetable consumption requires cross-nationally comparable estimates of fruit and vegetable consumption. National differences in the definitions of fruits and vegetables and serving size amounts limit the comparability of estimates. Objectives. To describe national differences in fruit and vegetable definitions, serving size amounts, and how these factors can influence the comparability of fruit and vegetable consumption estimates; and to provide a series of reporting recommendations that could facilitate crossnational studies of fruit and vegetable consumption. Methods. A comprehensive review of national dietary guidelines, fruit and vegetable definitions, and fruit and vegetable consumption recommendations was undertaken for Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Results. To improve cross-national comparability, the findings suggest that researchers could report fruit and vegetable consumption separately, provide separate average fruit and vegetable intake amounts, report potato and legume or pulse consumption separately from vegetable consumption, and report consumption of 100% fruit juice separately from fruit consumption. Conclusions. These four low-cost, high-value additions to conventional research reporting standards will aid in the development of cross-national research on global fruit and vegetable consumption and the design of global policies that can target low fruit and vegetable consumption in populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In addition to recommendations about the consumption of specific foods and nutrients, a measure of overall diet quality is useful. Over the years, a number of countries, but not Canada, have developed indexes to evaluate diet quality. Data and methods The American Healthy Eating Index was adapted to conform to recommendations in Canada's Food Guide. Data from 33,664 respondents to the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey--Nutrition were used. Usual index scores were calculated with the Software for Intake Distribution Estimation program. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between index scores and various characteristics, particularly the frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption. Results For the population aged 2 or older, the average score on the Canadian adaptation of the Healthy Eating Index in 2004 was 58.8 out of a possible 100 points. Children aged 2 to 8 had the highest average scores (65 or more). Average scores tended to fall into early adolescence, stabilizing around 55 at ages 14 to 30. A gradual upturn thereafter brought the average score to around 60 at age 71 or older. At all ages, women's scores exceeded those of men. The frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption was linked to index scores. Interpretation The American Healthy Eating Index can be adapted to Canadian food intake recommendations. Canadian Community Health Survey questions about the frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption can be used as an approximation of diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The role of dietary factors in the etiology of Crohn's disease (CD) is inconsistent largely due to difficulties in acquiring valid information on consumption habits. We examined the impact of diet on new onset CD in children using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). METHODOLOGY: A case-control study was carried out. Children ≤20 yr, newly diagnosed with CD, were recruited from 3 pediatric gastroenterology clinics across Canada. Population or hospital controls were selected matched to cases for time of diagnosis (±6 months) and area of residence. Dietary consumption 1 yr prior to disease diagnosis was evaluated using a validated FFQ, administered within 1 month of diagnosis. Conditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounding variables (energy intake, age, gender, body mass index) was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 130 CD patients and 202 controls were studied. Mean age at diagnosis (±SD) was 14.2 (2.7). There were more male patients (59%). Comparing the highest to the lowest levels of consumption, higher amounts of vegetables (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.33–1.44, P= 0.03), fruits (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25–0.96, P= 0.02), fish (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20–1.06, P= 0.02), and dietary fiber (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04–0.37, P < 0.001) protected from CD. Consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCN-ω-3) was negatively associated with CD (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19–1.00, P < 0.001). A higher ratio of LCN-ω-3/ω-6 fatty acids was significantly associated with lower risks for CD (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.14–0.71, P= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that an imbalance in consumption of fatty acids, vegetables, and fruits is associated with increased risks for CD among Canadian children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]