Increased fruit and vegetable consumption within the EU: potential health benefits

In this EU (DG XII) funded project, a Core human study was conducted in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Spain, France and The Netherlands. Oxidative and antioxidant status, vegetable and fruit consumption, and carotenoid intake of volunteers from different countries was compared. Response to increased carotenoid intake was determined using a range of measurements. Attention was paid to whether the antioxidant capability of beta-carotene,lutein and lycopene demonstrated in vitro, was apparent in relation to increased oxidation resistance of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL). Other (Complementary) studies were undertaken and included determination of: protective effects of carotenoid-rich foods against LDL and DNA oxidative damage; carotenoid absorbability; barriers to increased vegetable consumption; and carotenoid content of fruits and vegetables frequently consumed in Europe. Our results demonstrated that carotenoid supplementation did not increase LDL oxidation resistance. However, increased consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables did increase LDL oxidation resistance, and higher plasma concentration of total and specific carotenoids (pre-supplementation) was associated with lower DNA damage and higher repair activity. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.