Improving Micronutrient Status with Fruits and Vegetables
Author Information
Author(s): Polidori Maria Cristina, Carrillo Juan-Carlos, Verde Pablo E, Sies Helmut, Siegrist Johannes, Stahl Wilhelm
Primary Institution: Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
Hypothesis
Does increasing fruit and vegetable intake improve plasma micronutrient levels in a health-conscious population?
Conclusion
A dietary intervention significantly increased plasma levels of various antioxidants but did not change biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants showed significant increases in plasma levels of lutein, lycopene, and vitamins C and B6 after the intervention.
- Compliance to the dietary intervention was high, with a significant decrease in participants with poor nutritional behavior.
- Even health-conscious individuals can benefit from increased fruit and vegetable intake.
Takeaway
Eating more fruits and vegetables can make your body healthier by increasing good nutrients, but it might not lower stress markers in your body.
Methodology
Participants received dietary counseling and filled out food frequency questionnaires while their blood was analyzed for micronutrient levels over 12 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported dietary intake and lack of a control group.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group and participants had high baseline micronutrient levels.
Participant Demographics
112 participants, 86% women, average age 53.0 years, 12% smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.7 to 1.81
Statistical Significance
p < 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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