New research published in Heliyon indicates a link between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and a lower risk of frailty among adults in the United States. The study, utilizing data from NHANES 2007-2018, examined the diet of 13,935 adult participants to understand the impact of dietary habits on frailty, a condition marked by decreased strength, stamina, and mobility, affecting overall quality of life. The findings suggest that fruits and vegetables, particularly those of red and orange varieties, play a role in reducing frailty risk.
The study's design involved assessing dietary intake through 24-hour recall questionnaires and employing a frailty index model that considers various health indicators. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and frailty across different demographic groups. Results showed a notable difference in frailty risk between individuals with higher intake of fruits and vegetables compared to those with lower intake, with red and orange vegetables such as carrots and sweet peppers being particularly effective.
Analysis also revealed that the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and frailty risk is nonlinear, suggesting that there is an optimal consumption threshold that maximizes health benefits. Importantly, the study found that whole fruits have a more significant impact on reducing frailty risk than fruit juices. The research underscores the importance of dietary choices in managing and preventing frailty, highlighting the need for tailored nutritional strategies that consider individual characteristics like gender and BMI.
The study concludes that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, especially whole fruits and red or orange vegetables, could be a key strategy in reducing the risk of frailty among adults in the United States. Future research is called for to further explore the mechanisms behind these findings and to develop targeted dietary recommendations for frailty prevention.
Source: News Medical Life Sciences