Correlation of cAMP Response Element Binding and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protein Levels in Adolescents with Adequacy Fruit Intake: A Cross Sectional Study

@#Introduction: cAMP Response Element Binding (CREB) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) protein levels tend to be a critical mediator for the beneficial effects of diet on neurogenesis and cognitive function. Increased fruit intake has been associated with improved cognitive function. However, in Malaysia, most adolescents still haven't met the recommended intake of fruits and far less is known on how their adequacy of fruit intake can be affected to their protein levels of CREB and BDNF. Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 352 students aged 14 and 16 years old involving 11 secondary schools in Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Hulu Terengganu Districts. A validated MyUM adolescent FFQ was used for fruit intake assessment. Blood sample to determine the level of CREB and BDNF proteins. Results: A total of 53.7% of adolescents consumed an adequate intake (≥ 2 servings/day) of fruits. Serum level BDNF was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the adolescent with adequate fruit intake (389.05±204.96 pg/mL) compared with inadequate (< 2 servings/day) group (118.60 ± 49.04 pg/mL) and was correlated positively with fruit intake (r=0.62, p<0.001). The median of CREB protein level was significantly (p<0.021) higher among inadequate intake of fruits (19.85±23.60 ng/mL) relative to adequate group (14.71± 17.9 ng/mL) and was negatively correlated with fruit intake (rs (8) =-0.07, p<0.001). Apple, papaya, watermelon, orange, pear, guava, mango, banana and durian were significant factors for BDNF protein level. Conclusion: High serum protein level of BDNF in the adolescent with adequate intake of fruit could have a role in controlling neuronal survival, and synaptic function in the central nervous system.

Student feedback to improve the United States Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

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 4th-6th 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.

Student feedback to improve the United States Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

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 4th-6th 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.

Analysis of consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits in Korean adolescents based on Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey (2006, 2011)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed factors affecting consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits in Korean adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits, general characteristics, meal, health, and other variables were analyzed for a total of 147,047 adolescents who participated in the KYRBWS (Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey) conducted in 2006 and 2011 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits more than once a day significantly decreased in 2011 compared to 2006 based on Chi-square test conducted for every factor employed in the study. Analysis of factors showed that consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits were reduced in both study years as subjective income decreased, whereas intake frequencies increased with mother's education level and reduction of adolescent stress level. CONCLUSIONS: In general, consumption frequencies of vegetables and fruits decreased in 2011 compared to those in 2006. Thus, future research needs to improve dietary guidelines for nutrition education in order for students to recognize the importance of food consumption and necessity of increasing daily serving sizes of vegetables and fruits for their balanced consumption.

Factors influencing on intention to intake fruit: moderating effect of fruit intake habit / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting fruit consumption behavior by application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. In addition, this study examined the moderating effect of a fruit eating habit. METHODS: A total of 734 consumers who have ever purchased fruit participated in this study. RESULTS: Results of this study showed that attitudes toward fruit intake, social norms, and perceived behavioral control had significant impacts on the level of fruit intake. Fruit eating habit that showed high correlation with eating behavior was also included in the model identifying factors having an influence on fruit intake. Attitudes toward fruit intake, social norms, and perceived behavioral control had a positive influence on intention to intake fruit. Fruit eating habits played a moderating role in the relationships between intention to intake fruit and real fruit intake. CONCLUSION: Increasing positive attitudes toward fruit intake, social norms, and perceived behavioral control would be helpful in increasing the amount of fruit intake.

Comparison of Mineral and Vitamin Intakes According to the Stage of Change in Fruit and Vegetable Intake for Elementary School Students in Chungnam Province

The purpose of this study was to compare the mineral and vitamin intake according to the stage of change in fruit and vegetable intake. The subjects consisted of 256 students, 122 males and 134 females, who are fourth, fifth and sixth grade in an elementary school located in Yeongi-Gun, Chungnam province. The dietary intake was examined by 24 hr dietary recall for 1 day and by food record for 2 days from April 19 to May 01, 2007. Stage of change of intake of fruits and vegetables of the students was categorized into three groups: precontemplation, contemplation and preparation, and action. The subjects at the stage of action took kimchi and vegetables more frequently, and also took more vitamin C as well. But the subjects at other two stages did not show any difference in the intake of any food group and nutrients. Percentage of the male subjects who took less than EAR did not show any significant difference by stage of change in all the nutrients. However, there was gradual decrease in the percentage of female taking less than EAR of vitamin C and vitamin B2. The result concludes that vitamin C intake significantly increase gradually as the stages of behavioral change of fruit and vegetable intake proceed although almost all vitamins and minerals tended to increase.