ContributorsGIW wrote and revised the manuscript in response to co-author comments. He finalized all the figures and tables, performed the literature search, and assisted with data interpretation. HJK critically reviewed the manuscript and made important suggestions to improve it. He assisted with data interpretation. IBA performed the data analysis, constructed the figures and tables, and made important suggestions to improve the manuscript. H-CK assisted with the data analysis and also reviewed the manuscript. GRC critically reviewed the manuscript and made important suggestions to improve it. He assisted with data interpretation. All other authors were given the opportunity to review the manuscript and make suggestions which GIW received, either revising the paper or providing explanations. All who are not deceased were involved with approval of the manuscript.

Increased FV intake improves the Pneumovax II vaccination antibody response in older people, which links an achievable dietary goal with improved immune function.

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Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, which is often low in older people, may be associated with improved muscle strength and physical function. However, there is a shortage of intervention trial evidence to support this. The current study examined 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. Eightythree participants aged 65-85 years, 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, 12 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. Eighty-two participants completed the intervention. The 5 portions/day group showed greater change in daily FV consumption compared to the 2 portions/day group (P<0.001). This was reflected in significant increases in biomarkers of micronutrient status. 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 (mean change at 16 weeks±SD, 2.04±5.16 and 0.11±3.26 kg, respectively, P=0.06). Increased FV consumption may modestly increase grip strength but has no effect on physical function in healthy older adults.