Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Its Relation to Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Adolescents

Erica M. Holt, Lyn M. Steffen, Antoinette Moran, Samar Basu, Julia Steinberger, Julie A Ross, Ching Ping Hong, Alan R Sinaiko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

370 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Fruits and vegetables, foods rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, have been associated with lower risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults. Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress are predictors of coronary heart disease risk; however, it is unknown whether these markers are related to dietary flavonoid and antioxidant intake in youth. Objective: To determine whether greater intakes of fruit and vegetables, antioxidants, folate, and total flavonoids were inversely associated with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in 285 adolescent boys and girls aged 13 to 17 years. Design: In this cross-sectional study conducted between February 1996 and January 2000, diet was assessed by a 127-item food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were obtained and a fasting blood sample drawn. Spearman partial correlation analyses evaluated the relation of intakes of fruit and vegetables, antioxidants, folate, and flavonoids with markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and 15-keto-dihydro-PGF metabolite and oxidative stress (urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F, an F2-isoprostane), adjusting for age, sex, race, Tanner stage, energy intake, and body mass index. Results: Urinary F2-isoprostane was inversely correlated with intakes of total fruit and vegetables, vitamin C, beta carotene, and flavonoids. Serum C-reactive protein was significantly inversely associated with intakes of fruit (r=-0.19; P=0.004), vitamin C (r=-0.13, P=0.03), and folate (r=-0.18; P=0.004). Serum interleukin-6 was inversely associated with intakes of legumes, vegetables, beta carotene, and vitamin C. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α was inversely associated with beta carotene (r=-0.14, P=0.02) and luteolin (r=-0.15, P=0.02). Conclusion: Study results show that the beneficial effects of fruit and vegetable intake on markers of inflammation and oxidative stress are already present by early adolescence and provide support for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans "to consume five or more servings per day" of fruits and vegetables to promote beneficial cardiovascular health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)414-421
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association
Volume109
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was funded by National Institutes of Health grant HL52851.

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