M. G. Wagner1, K. Hert1, L. Myers1, J. Levine2, T. Heck1, Y. Rhee1

1Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2Family

Nutrition Sciences, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

Abstract Introduction: The growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults is

concerning because of the numerous health conditions associated with excess weight. Underlying mechanisms believed to contribute to these detrimental health outcomes are oxidative stress and inflammation. Fortunately, regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation is possible via antioxidants consumed through a diet adequate in fruits and vegetables. However, adults’ consumption of fruits and vegetables is below recommended amounts, which places them at increased risk for chronic diseases.

Purpose: This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a community-based fruit and vegetable education program and provision of fruits and vegetables on consumption of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and changes in biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among overweight and obese adults.

Methods: Forty-seven adults (16 men/31 women; 45.9 ± 11.8 y; body mass index 32.7 ± 7.3 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. The control group received no intervention; the education group attended weekly nutrition education sessions; and the fruit and vegetable group attended weekly nutrition education sessions and received one serving of fruits and two servings of vegetables per day for 10 weeks. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants were assessed using three-day food records.

Results: Changes in consumption of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants among participants were associated with improvements in biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in those receiving education but not among control group participants.

Discussion: Adequate and varied consumption of fruits and vegetables is recommended to aid in the prevention and regulation of inflammation.

Introduction

Rates of overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. contributing to increased risk of chronic disease1

An underlying mechanism believed to contribute to these detrimental health outcomes is the inflammatory process2

Introduction

Introduction

Antioxidant systems in the body are responsible for regulating oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation3

Because of their high antioxidant content, consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is widely encouraged4

Americans, including overweight and obese adults, consume the recommended FV servings5

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of a community-based fruit and vegetable education program and provision of FV on consumption of fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and changes in biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among overweight and obese adults

Study protocol approved by the North Dakota State University Institutional Review Board

Participants 47 adults

Inclusion Age over 18 years BMI > 25 kg/m2

Methods

Exclusion History of bariatric

surgery Current smoker Pregnant

Study Duration Pre-testing

2 weeks

Intervention 10 weeks

Post-testing 2 weeks

Data Collection Demographics

Dietary Intake 3-day Food Record

Laboratory Assessments Fasting Blood Draw

Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha C-reactive protein

Methods

Methods

MethodsStatistical Analysis

PASW version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) Alpha level < .05

Descriptive statistics T tests Pearson correlation Analysis of variance

Demographics

Control Education FV

Gender Female 5 6 5 Male 3 9 19

Age (y) 42.1 ± 14.2 47.7 ± 10.7 46.0 ± 11.9

BMI (kg/m2) 33.0 ± 11.1 32.5 ± 6.0 32.7 ± 7.1

Fruit Consumption

* *

*Significant difference in mean servings consumed per day from pre-test to post-test

Vegetable Consumption

Beta Carotene Consumption

^

^Trend toward a significant difference in consumption from pre-test to post-test

Vitamin C Consumption

Vitamin E Consumption

Selenium Consumption

^

^Trend toward a significant difference in consumption from pre-test to post-test

Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

C-Reactive Protein

^Trend toward a significant difference in consumption from pre-test to post-test

^

Discussion Supplementation was effective at increasing

FV consumption. This is the first study to examine effects of FV supplementation on consumption patterns of overweight and obese adults.

Decreases in oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were greatest among participants in the FV group, which suggests a possible benefit of FV supplementation on decreased inflammation.3

ConclusionsA limitation was that a convenience sample was

used, thereby limiting the generalizability of the results.

Efforts to increase consumption should focus on encouraging intake of a variety of FV, particularly those with the highest antioxidant content.

It is also necessary to emphasize management of overall energy intake, including decreased consumption of high-energy, nutrient poor foods.

References1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and overweight. U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/overwt.htm. Accessed November 17, 2011.

2. Dowd JB, Zajacova A, Aiello AE. Predictors of inflammation in U.S. children aged 3-16 years. Am J Prev Med. 2010;39(4):314-320.

3. Jones DP, DeLong MJ. Detoxification and protective functions of nutrients. In M. H. Stipanuk, Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Human Nutrition (pp. 901-916). Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; 2000.

4. Hansen L, Dragsted LO, Olsen A, Christensen J, Tjønneland A, Schmidt E B, Overvad K. Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of acute coronary syndrome. Br J Nutr. 2010;104:248-255.

5. Andreyeva T, Long MW, Henderson KE, Grode GM. Trying to lose weight: Diet strategies among Americans with overweight or obesity in 1996 and 2003. J Am Diet Assoc. 2010;110(4): 535-542.