Extract

Background and study aims Research suggests that not eating enough fruit and vegetables may increase the risk of developing serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer. There are still many people who do not eat the recommended “5-a-day” however. The aim of this study is to see whether providing such people with 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day for 12 weeks can improve their general health. The study also will find out what happens to the general health of these people after they have stopped eating these fruits and vegetables and resumed their normal diet. Who can participate? Healthy adults who usually consume less than 2 portions of fruit/vegetables per day. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly placed into one of two groups. The first group is asked to carry on with their normal diet for 2 weeks, then eat fruit/vegetables and fruit juices (2 portions of fruit, 1 portion of salad, 2 portions of vegetables and 2 glasses of fruit juice) with their normal diet every day for the next 12 weeks. The second group do not get the fruit and vegetables. They are a control group and are asked to just carry on with their normal diet. Over the course of the study, all participants have samples (e.g. blood, urine samples), taken which are tested for health markers, such as cholesterol and vitamin levels, as well as completing a food diary. Once the 12 weeks are complete, participants who changed their diet are asked to resume their normal diet. Samples are then taken after a further 6 weeks so that the health markers can be re-tested. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? There is no direct benefit to participants. There are no known risks of participating other than the minor risks of bruising, discomfort or infection associated with blood tests. Where is the study run from? Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? March 2011 to March 2016 Who is funding the study? The Scottish Government Strategic Research Programme (Food, Land and People) (UK) Who is the main contact? 1. Professor Garry Duthie (Scientific) [email protected] 2. Mrs Sylvia Stephen (Public) [email protected]

Inclusion criteria

• Low fruit and vegetable consumption is linked with an increased risk of all cause mortality and death from several conditions including vascular disease and cancer

Links

• isrctn
• ictrp