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The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on physical function and muscle strength in older adults: the Ageing and Dietary Intervention Trial (ADIT)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2012

C. E. Neville ,
I. S. Young ,
S. E. C. M. Gilchrist ,
M. C. McKinley ,
A. Gibson ,
T. Banerjee ,
J. D. Edgar  and
J. V. Woodside
C. E. Neville
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJUK
I. S. Young
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJUK
S. E. C. M. Gilchrist
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJUK
M. C. McKinley
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJUK
A. Gibson
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJUK
T. Banerjee
Affiliation:
Unilever R&D, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ
J. D. Edgar
Affiliation:
Regional Immunology Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT12 6BN, UK
J. V. Woodside
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Metabolism Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJUK
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Abstract

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Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 71 , Issue OCE2: Summer Meeting hosted by the Irish Section, 16–19 July 2012, Translational nutrition: integrating research, practice and policy , 2012 , E90
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

Ageing is associated with numerous anatomical and physiological changes which can adversely affect both physical function and muscle strength, thus contributing to an increased risk of falls, fractures and disability. A growing body of observational evidence suggests that fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, which is often low in older people, and/or nutrients associated with a diet high in FV may protect against age-related decline in physical function and muscle strength( Reference Cesari, Pahor and Bartali 1 – Reference Robinson, Jameson and Batelaan 5 ). However, this hypothesis has not yet been fully tested in intervention studies involving free-living older adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of increased FV consumption on measures of muscle strength and physical function among healthy, free-living older adults.

A randomized controlled intervention study was undertaken. Eighty-three participants, aged 65 years and older and habitually consuming ⩽2 portions of FV/day, were randomised to continue their normal diet (⩽2 portions/day), or to consume ≥5 portions of FV/day for 16 weeks. FV were delivered to all participants each week, free of charge. Compliance was monitored at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks by diet history and by measuring biomarkers of micronutrient status. Grip strength was measured by a hand-held dynamometer, while lower-extremity physical function was assessed by performance-based measures. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Office for Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland (ORECNI).

Eighty-two participants completed the intervention. At week 16, the 5 portions/day group showed greater change in daily FV consumption compared to the 2 portions/day group (P<0.001). The change in vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene over the 16 weeks also differed significantly between groups, being higher in the 5/day group. No significant differences were evident in change in physical function between the two groups. However, there was a trend towards a greater change in grip strength in the 5 portions/day compared to the 2 portions/day group (P=0.06).

aChange calculated as wk 16–baseline. bSignificant difference between groups at baseline (P<0.001, independent samples t-test). cScores range from 1–4 where 1 represents poor balance, 4 represents best balance. dValues are number of participants (all such values). eSPPB=Short physical performance battery score=sum of standing balance score+walk speed score+chair stand score. SPPB score ranges from 3–12 .

Increased FV consumption had no effect on physical function. FV may enhance muscle strength in older adults however this observation needs to be confirmed in further intervention studies.

References

1. Cesari, M, Pahor, M, Bartali, B et al. (2004) Am J Clin Nutr 79, 289–94.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2. Houston, DK, Stevens, J, Cai, J et al. (2005) Am J Clin Nutr 81, 515–22.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Myint, PK, Welch, AA, Bingham, SA et al. (2007) Public Health Nutr 10, 34–41.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
4. Lauretani, F, Semba, RD, Bandinelli, S et al. (2008) J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 63, 376–83.Google Scholar
5. Robinson, SM, Jameson, KA, Batelaan, SF et al. (2008) J Am Geriatr Soc 56, 84–90.CrossRefGoogle Scholar