Science Newsletters

The IFAVA newsletter provides members with access to credible, sound scientific evidence specific to vegetables and fruit. An undertaking of this kind cannot be accomplished without the generous support of many who have contributed to the development and review of the content. As the first Chair of IFAVA, I would like to personally thank all those who have been active in the development of this new tool, to spread the valuable message of eating vegetables and fruit. I would specifically like to thank the scientific committee and editorial board for their vision and commitment on this program.

Ron Lemaire
Executive Vice President & Director of Marketing
Canadian Produce Marketing Association

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English Newsletters
	Children's Health
	Once upon a time, in such an old period that I can hardly remember, children were taught to eat a sufficient amount of good foods in order to become tall and strong. How this was working, nobody really knew. Therefore, I was surprised when, because of my old knowledge in nutrition, I was asked to provide some comments about worrying medical news. I thought that this modern world was at least improving health. Food choices have actually expanded in such huge proportion that within a country, or even a community, including the smallest one, the family eating patterns may differ strikingly. This widening of food choices leads to confusion between choosing for immediate pleasure and choosing for real health benefits. Three recent examples, around the world, remind us that modern foods may be safer but still need to be part of a balanced diet, beginning in childhood. In Turkey, children, and not only women or grand mothers, those eating less fruits and vegetables (and less fibres) were more likely to suffer constipation. In Canada, the risk of suffering from severe inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease) is reduced by 30 % in children eating higher amounts of vegetable and by 60 % in those eating higher amounts of fruit. The effect is proportional to the amount eaten. Dietary fibres seem to contribute to the overall benefit in combination with vitamins. Higher consumption of nuts and fish also prove to be beneficial. Although Crohn’s disease is rare in children, a reason for its increased occurrence may be due to a decreased protection against inflammation provided by a high fat, low fibre but modern diet. Unbalanced intakes of the different fatty acids may also trigger inflammatory processes that are exacerbated in Crohn’s disease. In Europe, about 16 million children are now overweight or obese, an unknown situation 30 years ago. The occurrence of various cardiovascular risk factors (the so called “metabolic syndrome”) was analysed in 5 different countries: Greece, Italy, Poland, Hungary and France. It was found that about one out of two of these young obese already has an enhanced cardiovascular risk, i.e. they become old before time. This suggests that negative changes in the environment such as less fruit and vegetable in the diet, are now overtaking health protective factors. These three examples illustrate how several risks can be increased early in life. Does reducing them just mean doing the opposite? Yes. How far is it achievable? As much as we really want it…and I want it for sure for my grand children. Yours faithfully, Granny Smith Marie Laure Frelut, APHP, Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital, Paris - France
	Acid-base Balance and Alkaliniaing Foods
	The impact of diet on the body’s acid-base equilibrium has long been ignored because of its extremely effective blood buffering systems. However, more and more studies suggest that Western-style diets, rich in meats and processed foods, are globally acidic. This is unfavourable to the entire organism and especially in maintaining skeletal mineral balance. Among regularly consumed foods, only fruits and vegetables, despite their sometimes acidic flavour, have alkaline properties due to their organic potassium salts. Many other foods (meat, cold cuts, salted cheese) are acidifying, whereas milk or cereal products are relatively neutral in terms of acid-base balance. These fundamental bases must no longer be ignored. Nutritional recommendations, especially for osteoporosis, must now be based on the role of nutritional associations - milk products of course, but associated with fruits and vegetables. In the case of copious meals with meat and salty foods, fruits and vegetables would be the best antidote to excess proteins and salt. Christian Rémésy, Research Director Inra, France
	Fruit and Vegetables: Children's Preferences
	The first article in this edition of the newsletter explores the widely replicated, but poorly understood finding of sex differences in children’s consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV). Using data from the Fruit and Vegetables Make the Marks study, Elling Bere and colleagues identified greater preference for, and perceived availability of FV as the principal determinants of girls’ higher intake. There are also age differences in children’s responses to food and our second article describes qualitative research into the relationship between children’s cognitive development and their food preferences and perceptions (Zeinstra et al). The authors found that younger children were more concerned with the texture and appearance of food whereas older children were more influenced by taste. They further report that children of all ages were largely impervious to appeals to eat “healthily”. Finally Privitera reports on research into the efficacy of ‘flavourreinforcement’ learning in increasing liking. Not only were children’s preferences increased when foods were sweetened but effects persisted long after sweetening ceased. Together, the articles in the current issue highlight some factors to consider when devising interventions – that boys are predisposed to like FV less than girls (Bere) that influences on food likes and dislikes differ with age (Zeinstra et al) and that an effective practical strategy for increasing liking for FV may be to add sweeteners (Zeinstra). Since children’s FV intake still falls well below recommended levels in most countries, these research findings are important and timely. Lucy Cooke, CR-UK Health Behaviour Unit, University College, London
	Interventions at school to increase fruit and vegetable intake
	Low fruit and vegetable intake is known to be associated with poor health, particularly cardiovascular disease and cancer. With the worldwide increase in childhood obesity, and increased risk of non-communicable diseases, there is recognition that children’s diets need to be improved. Schools appear to be an ideal environment to focus interventions designed to increase fruit and vegetable intake. The studies in this newsletter show that school fruit and vegetable interventions are effective. This is supported by our new literature review of school-based fruit and vegetable interventions and programmes worldwide which includes 37 studies (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/ecohost/projects/schoolfv.htm). A majority of these studies (70%) produced a significant positive effect on children’s fruit and vegetable intake in both older and younger age groups. These studies included a range of interventions including increasing fruit and vegetable availability as part of snack or meal programmes, nutrition promotion or integrating education together with increased accessibility to fruit and vegetables. A range of approaches increase intake. The relevant approach will depend on the local context including differences in local education systems and cultural preferences. As new proposals for an EU School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme are assessed, we hope that the success shown by school schemes are recognised as an important mechanism to improve public health. Joia de Sa, Research Fellow Karen Lock, Lecturer in Public Health London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
	Editorial from the 2007 WCRF Report
	In 1997, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) published the groundbreaking Expert Report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective. The Report was a catalyst for change, creating great opportunities for advancing knowledge in the area of diet and cancer prevention, and stimulating a surge of research in the field. Since then, technology has revolutionised the way that information is collected and analysed. As a result, in 2001 WCRF/AICR set out to systematically review and assess the body of evidence on food, nutrition, physical activity, and cancer, and to produce a second Expert Report. Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective, published in November 2007, is the largest project of its kind, and the conclusions and recommendations for preventing cancer are as definitive as the available evidence allows. (http://www.dietandcancerreport.org) The good news is that although cancer is one of the world’s biggest killers, the disease isn’t simply due to fate or bad luck: up to a third of cancers may be preventable by making lifestyle changes. By following WCRF/AICR’s 10 recommendations and by avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, people can now take action, knowing that the changes they make really can help protect against cancer. In this issue we take a closer look at the recommendations on plant foods and obesity, as well as the methodology behind the Second Expert Report. Martin Wiseman Second Expert Report Project Director WCRF International
	Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Respiratory Health
	Lung diseases have increased significantly in the last 10 years and account for substantial morbidity and mortality. The influence of dietary factors has generated growing interest because of their potential impact on the genesis and evolution of lung diseases, particularly in how they may modulate the effects of environmental exposures. These factors include antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other micronutrients that might affect the immune response. Several epidemiological studies have suggested that greater intake of fresh fruits and antioxidant vitamins, particularly vitamin C, are related to lesser prevelance of cough, wheeze and asthma, and to a lower decline in lung function, and COPD symptons (Romieu, 2001,2005) but there is little information on healthy dietary patterns in relation to obstructive lung disease. Three recent studies provide additional evidence for the impact of diet on lung diseases, in particular that high consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish and whole grain products as part of a "prudent dietary pattern" is related to higher pulmonary function and less repiratory symptoms in children (Burns, 2007) and lower incidence of COPD in adults (Varraso, 2007). Similarly, children with a better adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet, high in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and whole grain products had fewer asthma and allergic rhinitis sypmtoms (Chatzi, 2007). It is time for health professionals to promote a "healthy dietary pattern" starting in childhood as part of public health messages in order to improve respiratory health. Isabelle Romieu Professor of Environmental Epidemiology, Instituto Nacional de salud Public, Mexico
	Scientific Newsletter-Neurodegenerative Diseases
	The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (ND) increases with age and clearly represent a major public health problem in aging populations. Strategies for the prevention of dementia are therefore needed. Furthermore the onset of ND is insidious and the neurodegenerative process may exist for many years before dementia. ND can be influenced by many factors; among them several nutrients may play an important role. Higher intake of several nutrients (vitamins C, E, B12, folates, flavonoïds, unsaturated fatty acids) have been associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer disease or slower cognitive decline. However results of different available studies are contradictory and may suggest the importance of combination of several anti-oxidants. There is now converging evidence that composite dietary patterns as Mediterranean Diet or consumption of fruits or vegetables are related not only to lower risk for cardiovascular diseases but also to slower cognitive decline or reduction in risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and attractive hypotheses are suggested. Converging results of future prospective studies of long duration including patients at early stage and controlling for known confounding factors should lead to specific recommendations in the future. Professor Marc BONNEFOY CHU, Lyon - France
	Culinary Strategy: Healthy World Produce Traditions
	In the face of mounting diet-linked chronic diseases, public health experts are urging us to dramatically increase our consumption of produce. As culinary educators, we approach such a challenge by first considering strategy. When rethinking the American diet, where produce has traditionally played a secondary role, it is useful to look to other cultures for inspiration, especially at a time when Americans are increasingly demonstrating an unprecedented interest in new culinary tastes.
	Promoting Consumption of F&V: Programs
	Working together for fruit and vegetable promotion: Each year, 2.7 million lives could potentially be saved if fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption was sufficiently increased. WHO and FAO are working together to actively promote F&V consumption over the world. A Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation recommended a minimum intake of 400g of F&V per day for the prevention of chronic diseases and for the prevention of several micronutrient deficiencies. Current data shows that for most countries, this goal is far from being met.
	Overcoming the socioeconomic and gender gap in fruit and vegetable intake
	Why is it so difficult for most people to reach the daily recommendation for fruit and vegetables? In Sweden, less than 20 percent of the adult population reaches the intake goal of 500 grams per day, and less than 10 percent of children reach their goal of 400 grams. A universal pattern can be observed across northern Europe: Intake is lower in men compared to women, in people on low incomes and in those with lower education compared to higher socioeconomic groups. Is it a matter of low availability? Is the perceived high cost of fruits and vegetables preventing desired change? Are other,
	June Newsletter 2007
	Where does the new EU Regulation on claims leave fruit & vegetables promotion? Given the current debate on obesity and the role that fruit and vegetables can have in any serious solution to address this epidemic, it seems more than reasonable that the new Regulation on Nutrition and Health Claims should allow the fruit and vegetable sector, along with public authorities, to continue promoting without restriction the unique nutritional health benefits of consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables.
	Nutritional Life-Style and Diabetes
	Nutritional life-style and Diabetes Diabetes mellitus (type II) has become a significant threat to public health worldwide: it has been estimated that at least 171 million people are affected and it is assumed that by 2030 this figure will have more than doubled to 366 million people. While the developing countries will experience the highest burden, the impact in the developed countries is also considerable. Reasons for the continuing rise in the diabetes prevalence include the rising life expectancy and aging of populations, the increasing prevalence of obesity and associated life-style factors of low physical activity and inappropriate diet. The latter refers to both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of eating behaviour.
	March 2007 - Obesity, Fruit and Vegetables
	We are all involved in obesity policies A key element in the Amsterdam Treaty was the statement that “… high levels of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Community policies and activities…” All policies and activities? Yes – because it is not enough to tell school children to eat better snacks or to tell parents they should read food labels carefully. Focussing on the individual will not solve the problem. We have to ask why that individual is at risk of obesity. We have to look at causes. We have to ask: Why?
	February 2007 - Diets, Fruit and Vegetables
	The Healthiest Diet in the World As I write this, I have on my desk the latest diet books. Each one claims to reveal the secret to lasting weight loss and maintenance. Most of them claim that a healthy weight can be obtained without much effort, and some even allege that weight loss can be achieved without dieting or exercise. If only they were right. We are all waiting for that miracle. With obesity now a worldwide epidemic, we need all the help we can get. In the United States, for example,
	January 2007 - F&V Accessibility
	Availability and accessibility of fresh fruit and vegetables (F&V) has become the most important issue in understanding why people do not eat enough F&V everyday: no F&V in vending machines, non existent new distribution systems for F&V, lack of availability at schools, lack of preparation knowledge…
	December 2006 - Newsletter
	Osteoporosis, a global health problem, is increasingly significant as people live longer and the world's population grows. Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and its complications are essential socioeconomic priorities, calling for the development and implementation of strategies, in particular nutritional approaches and policies.
	November 2006 – Nutrition intervention in schools:
	Schools represent a unique setting for the promotion of fruit and vegetable intake in children: they reach large captive audiences and provide many opportunities to improve nutrition, including formal learning, feeding, as well as other activities such as cooking and gardening. In addition, school-based fruit and vegetable promotion programmes can in many cases be practical and implemented at low costs but they have to compete with other priorities in increasingly crowded curricula.
	October 2006 – Fruit and Vegetables and Cardiovascular Health.
	Recent results from the Women’s Health Initiative indicate that a diet low in fat but high in fruit, vegetables and grains does not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women...
	September 2006 – Childhood Obesity
	If you had asked a group of medical doctors 40 years ago whether child health would steadily improve throughout the twenty-first century, the answer would most likely have been “yes”. ...
	July/August 2006 – A European Perspective on Dietary Patterns:
	Looking at regional dietary patterns, cardiovascular health, and a study of fruit and vegetable consumption of 11-year old children in nine European countries.
	June 2006 – From pre-natal to childhood: The importance of fruit and vegetables.
	An analysis of prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood influences on fruit and vegetable acceptance throughout childhood and into adulthood. This volume also examines the impact of exposure and consumption patterns and their link to children’s food preferences.
	May 2006 – Nutrition: Global Dynamics, Disease Prevention and Consumption Patterns.
	Our first edition looks at the global energy imbalance and related obesity levels, gives a European outlook on the protective effective of fruit and vegetable consumption against certain cancers, and looks at social and cultural barriers to eating healthy.
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French Newsletters
	Dec/07 Consommation de fruits & légumes et cancer - Le rapport 2007 du WCRF
	Nov/07 Consommation de fruits & légumes et voies
	Oct/07 Fruits & légumes : prévention des maladies neurodégénératives
	Sept/07 Fruits & légumes : pratiques culinaires à travers le monde
	juillet-aout/07 “Nouveaux programmes pour la promotion des fruits et légumes”
	juin/07 “Allégations nutritionnelles”
	avril/07 “Diabète de type 2”
	mars/07 “Obésité”
	fev/07 Les Stratègies D’Amaigrissement
	jan/07 Deux facteurs clés : accessibilité et disponibilité
	dec/06 Fruits et légumes et os :défis et opportunités pour l’avenir
	nov/06 Des clés pour mieux comprendre
	oct/06 Fruits et Légumes et Santé Cardiovasculaire
	sept/06 Quelles sont les causes de la montée galopante de l’obésite?
	juillet/06 Alimentation méditerranéenne, végétaux et santé
	juin/06 L’enfance: une période critique du développement des habitudes alimentaires
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Spanish Newsletters
	Espanol - La gacetilla Científica. Nro 13 Junio 2007. Reclamos en cuanto a la salud.
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