• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.34-49
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutrition intake and diet quality according to beverage consumption status in elementary school students (ESS = 317), middle-school students (MSS = 431), and high-school students (HSS = 373). We analyzed data from the combined 2007-2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Subjects were divided into two groups, the non-beverage group and the beverage intake group according to beverage intake from drink types (fruit-vegetable drinks, carbonated drinks, and dairy drinks). Intake of dairy drinks was significantly lower in the carbonated drinks intake (CDI) group, compared with the non-CDI group in the MSS group. Intake of vitamin C was significantly higher in the fruit-vegetable drinks intake (FVDI) group, compared with the non-FVDI group. Intake of Ca and P was significantly lower in the CDI group, compared with the non-CDI group. Intake of vitamin B2, Ca, and P was significantly higher in the dairy drinks intake (DDI) group, compared with the non-DDI group. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of the FVDI group and the DDI group was significantly higher than those of the non-FVDI and non-DDI group. In diet quality, nutrients less than 1 on the index of nutritional quality (INQ) were significantly higher in the CDI group, compared with the non-CDI group. In conclusion, consumption of carbonated drinks dropped the diet quality however, consumption of fruit-vegetable drinks and dairy drinks improved the diet quality of micronutrients. Therefore, a well-planned diet must be used for replacement of nutrients lost from excessive intake of carbonated beverages during a time in life when growth is especially prominent.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.321-327
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fruit and vegetable consumption of children in the United States falls below recommendations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a national free-fruit and vegetable school distribution program designed to address this problem. This permanent, legislated program provides funding to qualified elementary schools for provision of additional fruit and vegetables outside of school meals. The objective of this study was to understand children's perceptions of FFVP after the intervention and formulate recommendations that may improve success of the intervention. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Secondary data were obtained from 5,265 $4^{th}-6^{th}$ graders at 51 randomly-selected FFVP intervention schools in Indiana. Anonymous questionnaires were completed late in the 2011-2012 academic year. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine associations between students' perceptions of program effects (4 close-ended items) and their preference toward the program. Content analysis was applied to a single open-ended item for program comments. RESULTS: Over 47% of students reported greater intake of fruit and vegetables due to FFVP, and over 66% reported liking the program. Student-reported program effects were positively associated with preference for the program (P < 0.01). Themes that emerged during analysis of 3,811 comments, included, students liked: the opportunity to try different kinds of fruit and vegetables, types and flavors of fruits served, and benefits of eating fruit. Fewer students liked the types of vegetables and their benefits. A small group disliked the program citing poor flavor of vegetables and quality of fruits. Important suggestions for the program include serving more dipping sauces for vegetables, cooking vegetables, and providing a greater variety of produce. CONCLUSIONS: The degree that students liked FFVP may predict the program's effects on fruit and vegetable intake. FFVP may become more acceptable to students by incorporating their suggestions. Program planners should consider these options for achieving program goals.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.518-531
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• 2020

Purpose: This study examined the association between fruit and vegetable intake and mental health in Korean adolescents. Methods: This study used the data from the 2014-2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a national cross-sectional survey on 137,101 boys and 130,806 girls aged 12-18. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed based on the frequency of consumption. The outcome variables were the perceived happiness, perceived stress, depressive symptom and suicidal ideation over the previous 12 months. Logistic regression models were used after adjusting for the demographic, life style and other dietary factors. Results: Only 34% and 29% of Korean adolescents consumed fruits more than 5 times/week and vegetables more than 2 times/day, respectively; whereas 37%, 25% and 12.2% of Korean adolescents had perceived stress, depressive symptom and suicidal ideation, respectively. After adjusting for the confounding variables, the greater consumption of fruit and vegetable were all associated with a higher odds of perceived happiness; the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) (95% CI) were 1.53 (1.46-1.60) in boys and 1.82 (1.73-1.90) in girls who consumed fruit ≥ 5 times/week, and 1.65 (1.54-1.76) in boys and 1.62 (1.51-1.72) in girls who consumed vegetable ≥ 2 times/day. In contrast, the consumption of fruit or vegetable were all significantly associated with a lower odds of perceived stress, depressive symptom, and suicidal ideation; the AOR (95% CI) were 0.70 (0.67-0.73), 0.88 (0.84-0.93), and 0.78 (0.73-0.83) in boys who consumed fruit 3-4 times/week, and 0.71 (0.67-0.76), 0.88 (0.81-0.94), and 0.68 (0.62-0.74) in boys who consumed vegetable 5-7 times/week. Similar associations of fruit or vegetable consumption with perceived stress, depressive symptom, or suicidal ideation were found in girls. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that increasing fruit and vegetable intake is important for better mental health among adolescents.

• Agribusiness and Information Management
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.18-27
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• 2018

This study aims to confirm the appropriateness of fruit and vegetable sales at military commissaries, with the purpose of enhancing the physical health and morale of military personnel. In order to achieve this objective, we examined the actual conditions of fruit and vegetable sales at military commissaries and analyzed the soldiers' awareness of fruit and vegetable sales through questionnaire surveys. The conclusions of this study are as follows: Firstly, fresh fruits and vegetables were not sold at military commissaries. Secondly, soldiers acknowledged the need for the consumption of fruits and vegetables and strongly expressed the desire for these fresh food products to be sold at military commissaries. Although the ROK Navy privatized military commissaries for the purposes of increasing management efficiency of national defense and strengthening combat power by transferring PX salesclerk soldiers to join combat personnel, this effort produced a negative effect of price increase. The following are proposals for improving this condition: fruit and vegetable products should be introduced to military commissaries through military welfare funds; fresh food markets should be established by closely cooperating with the local community's agricultural producers; processed fruit and vegetable product (dry, frozen, airtight packaged, etc.) sales should be increased; and the privatization of the navy commissaries should be abolished.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.132-148
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the current mean daily intake of 10 food groups, analyze the sociodemographic factors associated with food consumption, and determine the associations between food consumption/dietary intake and the prevalence rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (HTN) in Jakarta, Indonesia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 600 participants aged 20-85 yrs were included in this cross-sectional study. Food consumption and dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. To determine the association between food consumption/dietary habits and the abovementioned diseases, logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The average vegetable and fruit intake was lower, while sugar and salt consumption were higher than that recommended by Indonesia's national dietary guidelines. A high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was associated with young age, men, "single" status, a high education level, and employment with a high monthly income. Obesity and T2D were positively correlated with high intakes of cereals and tubers, UPFs, sugars, fats, and oils. Conversely, an inverse association was found between legume, vegetable, and fruit consumption and obesity risk. An inverse correlation was also observed between vegetable consumption and T2D risk. Moreover, a high salt intake was inversely correlated with fruit consumption in terms of HTN risk. Non-indulgence in habitual late-night snacking and refrainment from consuming more than one dish at each meal were also negatively related to the prevalence of obesity, T2D, and HTN. Inverse correlations were also observed between the prevalence rates of T2D and HTN and abstaining from adding sugar to beverages. CONCLUSION: Foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium were strongly associated with the risks of obesity, T2D, and HTN. Additionally, poor eating habits were also associated with disease development.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.175-188
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• 2000

This study was to investigate the consumption pattern, behaviors, and motivational attitudes related to fruit and vegetables. Data were collected from 344 mothers whose children were attending an elementary school and a middle school in Kimcheon. The average vegetable expenses were under 10,000 won per week. The frequency of purchasing vegetables was 2-3 times a week. Housewives usually bought the vegetables at local markets and grand shopping centers. As for buying vegetables, housewives considered the organic vegetables, preference, price, and nutrition in order. In the family, the vegetables were favored by husbands most and by sons least. The average fruit expenses were under 10,000 won per week. The frequency of purchasing fruit was 2-3 times a week. Housewives usually bought the fruit at local markets and grand shopping centers. As for buying fruit, housewives considered preference, price, and nutrition in order. The fruit were favored by all members most and by husbands least. Housewives identified barriers to increasing vegetables and fruit consumption, including preference for other foods, lack of availability, cost, and time and effort to prepare. Several implications for nutrition interventions were suggested. First, a key motivation for these women was eating healthy food when they are pregnant, suggesting a persuasive appeal to use in interventions. Second, review of the women's current behaviors led to an identification of four specific behaviors that had the most potential for increasing overall consumption. Finally, the findings suggested ways in which nutrition interventions could address each of the barriers identified.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.963-968
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• 2012

This descriptive study was made to evaluate the dietary habits contributing to cancer prevention of 319 health college students. Data collection form included questions about demographic characteristics and 33 statements which evaluate dietary habits contributing to cancer prevention. Among the students, 56.1% consumed fast food outside the home/dormitory twice a week or more and 47% never exercised. Moreover, 63.9% of the students reported that their dietary habits changed negatively and 69% stated that their fruit and vegetable consumption decreased after starting the health college. The students mostly paid attention to preserving food and water consumption while they paid least attention to maintaining healthy weight and whole grain consumption. Female students, those who paid attention to the amount and calorie of the food they consumed, students who did not consume fast food, and students who exercised twice a week or three times a week had better dietary habits contributing to cancer prevention (p<0.05). According to these results we recommend that interventions which will reduce fast food consumption and increase fruit and vegetable consumption and exercising in university students should be implemented. For this purpose, appropriate conditions for preparing and preserving healthy food should be provided as well as increasing the frequency of vegetable containing meals and providing fruits and salads in every meal at school cafeterias.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.515-524
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• 2013

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is believed to be associated with the intake of antioxidant nutrients and fatty acids due to its immunological dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of nutrition education promoting vegetable, fruit, and fish intake on the severity of AD in children. Children with AD aged 6 months to 5 years were randomly assigned into education and control groups, and followed for 1 year. Seventy-six children completed the study (38 for control, 38 for education). The education group received education promoting the intakes of antioxidant-rich foods (vegetables, fruits) and n-3 fatty acid foods (fish). A 24-hour food recall was collected for the diet information. After education, all vegetables (p < 0.001), fruits (p < 0.01), and fish (p < 0.05) intakes per 1000 kcal increased significantly in the education group, whereas only vegetable intake increased in the control group (p < 0.001). The SCORAD index, the severity of atopic dermatitis, decreased significantly in the education group (p < 0.05). Increased consumption of dietary vitamin E was significantly associated with reduction in the SCORAD index, after adjusting for age and gender (p < 0.05). A nutritional education program to increase vegetable, fruit, and fish intake may be effective in reducing the severity of AD, and vitamin E intake may be associated with the decreased severity of AD. More controlled studies on the relationship between these intakes and severity of AD, with intensive diet and/or supplement intervention programs, are needed to obtain conclusive results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7947-7950
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• 2014

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death with an increasing trend in China. Dietary intake is believed to play an important role in pancreatic cancer carcinogenesis. The aim of this paper was to evaluate associations between some dietary factors and risk of pancreatic cancer in a multi-centre case-control study conducted in China. Materials and Methods: Cases (n=323) were ascertained from four provincial cancer hospitals. Controls (n=323) were randomly selected from the family members of patients without pancreatic cancer in the same hospitals, 1:1 matched to cases by gender, age and study center. Data were collected with a questionnaire by personal interview. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Tea intake (OR =0.49; 95%CI: 0.30-0.80) was associated with a half reduction in risk of pancreatic cancer. Reduced vegetable consumption (P trend: 0.04) was significant related to pancreatic cancer. Although no significant association was found for meat and fruit, ORs were all above or below the reference group. A protective effect was found for fruit (OR=1.73 for consumption of 1-2 times/week vs more than 3 times/week; 95%CI: 1.05-2.86). A high intake of meat was associated to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer (OR=0.59 for consumption of 1-2 times/week vs. more than 3 times/week; 95%CI: 0.35-0.97). Conclusions: The present study supports fruit consumption to reduce pancreatic cancer risk and indicates that high consumption of meat is related to an elevated risk. Direct inverse relations with tea and vegetable intake were also confirmed.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.292-306
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated fruit and vegetable intake and associated socio-demographic and dietary factors, and compared the nutritional intake according to the fruit and vegetable intake level among Korean adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted on 1,676 adolescents who participated in the 2016-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The subjects were classified into four groups based on the fruit and vegetable intake recommendations in 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans: Application (KDRIs Application): sufficient fruit intake (SF) group, sufficient vegetables intake (SV) group, sufficient fruit and vegetables intake (SFV) group, and not sufficient fruit and vegetable intake (NS) group The nutrient intake per day in each group was compared.. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors influencing fruit and vegetables intake. Results: In the sample of adolescents surveyed, only 1.40% met the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, while 79.54% fell below the established threshold for adequate consumption. Female adolescents, those with fathers holding university degrees or above, and those who ate breakfast at least three times a week were likelier to have adequate fruit intake. Male adolescents and those from higher-income households were likelier to consume vegetables. Females, those who ate out daily, those from lower-income households, and those who understood food labels were likelier to have adequate fruit and vegetable intake. The daily nutrient intake and intake-to-requirement ratio significantly differed according to the fruit and vegetable intake groups. The NS and SF group had lower ratios for calcium and iron, while the NS group had the lowest vitamin A and C intake. By contrast, the SFV group met almost all daily nutrient requirements, except for calcium and vitamin A. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for nutrition education programs to encourage adolescents to consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables.