Effect of increased fruit and vegetable consumption on physical function and muscle strength in older adults

Abstract

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.

Increased fruit and vegetable intake has no discernible effect on weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…There were no studies in children that passed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two studies met all criteria (28, 31) (primary analysis), and 5 other studies met all criteria except for not explicitly stating weight was an a priori outcome of interest [secondary analysis 2 7 studies total; an additional 5 studies (27,28,(32)(33)(34) were combined with the 2 studies in the primary analysis group]. We included the second group in the secondary analysis because weight outcomes were reported or data were provided on request in a usable form.…”

“…Bradbury et al (32) created modified recipes for denture wearers, such as focusing on F/V recipes that were seed free. Wagner (31) focused intake assessments on F/Vs that were high in antioxidants, whereas Neville et al (34) purchased and supplied foods that participants indicated that they liked with "no prescriptive list offered to participants at any point. "…”

Tart cherry supplementation improves working memory, hippocampal inflammation, and autophagy in aged rats

“…Similarly, another study where aged rats were given either 10 or 50 % Concord grape juice for 8 weeks reported a significant improvement in motor function only in the 50 % Concord grape juice group when compared to the controls . In spite of evidence supporting beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables on motor function Shukitt-Hale et al 2005;Galli et al 2006;Neville et al 2013;Shukitt-Hale et al 2015), this null effect of tart cherry on motor function is supported by several studies where diets high in antioxidant capacity or fruits high in polyphenolic compounds fail to reverse agerelated motor deficits in spite of other health benefits Sumien et al 2004;ShukittHale et al 2005). Because age-related motor deficits begin to manifest during early middle-age in rodents (Shukitt-Hale et al 1998;de Fiebre et al 2006) and deteriorate profoundly with age , it is possible that age-related damage may be too widespread by the time of late-life intervention, making it difficult to reverse (Bickford 1993).…”

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Sarcopenia among Older Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

“…Furthermore, one study from Hong Kong (n = 3957) found that the dietary pattern "vegetables-fruits" was associated with lower odds for sarcopenia in men aged ≥65 years cross-sectionally [18]. Finally, a small randomized controlled trial conducted in the UK found a trend towards greater increase in grip strength in the group that consumed higher portions of fruits and vegetables [19].…”