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Fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Halvorsen, RE, Elvestad, M, Molin, M, Aune, D
BMJ nutrition, prevention & health. 2021;4(2):519-531
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Type 2 diabetes is a growing health concern worldwide, with projections estimating it will affect over 700 million people by 2045. Studies have indicated a link between increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis of twenty-three prospective cohort studies explored this link further, examining the effects of different types of fruits and vegetables on the risk of Type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that a high intake of combined fruits and vegetables and specific varieties, such as apples, pears, blueberries, grapes, and raisins, may slightly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, consuming cantaloupe, fruit drinks, fruit juice, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The protective effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on the reduction of type 2 diabetes could be attributed to the dietary fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables. While further studies are necessary to confirm these results and explore the impact of specific types of fruits and vegetables on Type 2 diabetes risk, healthcare professionals can use this information to promote the protective benefits of including specific subtypes of fruits and vegetables in the diet to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between intake of fruit and vegetables and their subtypes, and the risk of type 2 diabetes has been investigated in several studies, but the results have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE We conducted an updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies on intakes of fruit and vegetables and fruit and vegetable subtypes and the risk of type 2 diabetes. DESIGN PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to 20 October 2020. Prospective cohort studies of fruit and vegetable consumption and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using a random effects model. RESULTS We included 23 cohort studies. The summary RR for high versus low intake and per 200 g/day were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89 to 0.98, I2=0%, n=10 studies) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.01, I2=37.8%, n=7) for fruit and vegetables combined, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90 to 0.97, I2=9.3%, n=20) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92 to 1.00, I2=68.4%, n=19) for fruits and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.88 to 1.02, I2=60.4%, n=17) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94 to 1.01, I2=39.2%, n=16) for vegetables, respectively. Inverse associations were observed for apples, apples and pears, blueberries, grapefruit and grapes and raisins, while positive associations were observed for intakes of cantaloupe, fruit drinks, fruit juice, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and potatoes, however, most of these associations were based on few studies and need further investigation in additional studies. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis found a weak inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and type 2 diabetes risk. There is indication of both inverse and positive associations between intake of several fruit and vegetables subtypes and type 2 diabetes risk, however, further studies are needed before firm conclusions can be made.
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Cross-sectional associations of schoolchildren's fruit and vegetable consumption, and meal choices, with their mental well-being: a cross-sectional study.
Hayhoe, R, Rechel, B, Clark, AB, Gummerson, C, Smith, SJL, Welch, AA
BMJ nutrition, prevention & health. 2021;4(2):447-462
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There has been an increase in mental health issues among school children in recent years. The importance of good nutrition for the physical and mental well-being of school children cannot be overstated. According to previous research, a diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat are associated with mental health issues in children, while a diet high in fruits and vegetables may protect against mental health problems. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between dietary choices and mental well-being among primary and secondary school children. Among secondary school children, higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was associated with a greater sense of well-being, with those who consumed five or more fruits and vegetables reporting a higher sense of well-being. The well-being scores of secondary school children who consumed no breakfast and those who consumed high-energy drinks were lower than those of secondary school children who consumed conventional breakfast. Similarly, compared to children who had packed lunches, children who had no lunch had lower well-being. Among primary school children, higher intakes of fruits and vegetables were not significantly associated with well-being, whereas the type of lunch and breakfast were significantly associated with well-being. A comprehensive investigation is required to understand how dietary strategies and their components contribute to children's well-being and their modulating effects on various mechanisms. This research can be used by healthcare professionals to gain a better understanding of how a child's mental and physical health is impacted by their nutrition.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor mental well-being is a major issue for young people and is likely to have long-term negative consequences. The contribution of nutrition is underexplored. We, therefore, investigated the association between dietary choices and mental well-being among schoolchildren. METHODS Data from 7570 secondary school and 1253 primary school children in the Norfolk Children and Young People Health and Well-being Survey, open to all Norfolk schools during October 2017, were analysed. Multivariable linear regression was used to measure the association between nutritional factors and mental well-being assessed by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for secondary school pupils, or the Stirling Children's Well-being Scale for primary school pupils. We adjusted all analyses for important covariates including demographic, health variables, living/home situation and adverse experience variables. RESULTS In secondary school analyses, a strong association between nutritional variables and well-being scores was apparent. Higher combined fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly associated with higher well-being: well-being scores were 3.73 (95% CI 2.94 to 4.53) units higher in those consuming five or more fruits and vegetables (p<0.001; n=1905) compared with none (n=739). The type of breakfast or lunch consumed was also associated with significant differences in well-being score. Compared with children consuming a conventional type of breakfast (n=5288), those not eating any breakfast had mean well-being scores 2.73 (95% CI 2.11 to 3.35) units lower (p<0.001; n=1129) and those consuming only an energy drink had well-being scores 3.14 (95% CI 1.20 to 5.09) units lower (p=0.002; n=91). Likewise, children not eating any lunch had well-being scores 2.95 (95% CI 2.22 to 3.68) units lower (p<0.001; 860) than those consuming a packed lunch (n=3744). In primary school analyses, the type of breakfast or lunch was associated with significant differences in well-being scores in a similar way to those seen in secondary school data, although no significant association with fruit and vegetable intake was evident. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that public health strategies to optimise the mental well-being of children should include promotion of good nutrition.