Fruit and vegetable consumption and antioxidant status of Seventh-day Adventists

Background and Aim: To establish dietary intakes and plasma concentrations of antioxidants in Seventh-day Adventist vegetarians and non vegetarians an d to compare these values to an intervention group of a randomised controll ed trial raising fruit and vegetable consumption in low fruit and vegetable consumers. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study examined forty-seven free-l iving Seventh-day Adventists aged 20-65 years, following either a vegetaria n or non vegetarian diet, and compared them to an intervention group (n=44) who raised their fruit and vegetable intake from two to seven servings dai ly. Dietary intake was assessed using quantitative seven-day records Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, a tocopherol and alpha and beta carot ene were determined. The vegetarian group consumed more fruits and vegetabl es than the non vegetarian group and this was reflected in a significantly higher intake of beta carotene and vitamin E. Plasma a carotene in the vege tarians was significantly higher than the non vegetarians. Plasma levels of beta carotene achieved by the intervention study were approximately half t hat of the Seventh-day Adventists, despite similar intakes of beta carotene . Plasma a tocopherol was significantly higher in the vegetarian group when compared to the intervention group after eight weeks. Fruit and vegetables provided 33% of the vitamin E intake in the Seventh-day Adventists. Conclusions: Seventh-day Adventists have superior plasma concentrations of beta carotene and or tocopherol when compared to low fruit and vegetable co nsumers who substantially increased their fruit and vegetable consumption. These differences clearly reflect differing food choices. Consumption of Fr uits and vegetables rather than their juices, appears to have the greatest impact on plasma concentrations of beta carotene and a tocopherol. Recommen dations that aim to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer by increasi ng plasma antioxidants must now look closely at specific food consumption. There is a need to identify foods which have the greatest impact on plasma concentrations of beta carotene and a tocopherol. (C) 1998, Medikal Press.