Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of frailty: A systematic review and dose response meta-analysis

Purpose: This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to summarize available findings on the association between fruits and vegetables (FVs) consumption and risk of frailty. Methods: Online databases including Medline, Scopus, and Embase were searched to detect related publications up to February 2021. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two investigators working in parallel. In most included studies, frailty was defined according to the Fried criteria. Overall, 14 articles with 18,616 subjects with frailty and 101,969 controls were included. To combined data, a random effect model was used. Dose-response associations were also evaluated. Results: Fourteen studies (10 cohorts and four cross-sectional) were included. Pooled effect size for the highest versus lowest category of FVs consumption showed an inverse association with risk of frailty (RR cohort = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.50-0.84; I2 = 81%, n = 7). Every one serving (200 g) per day increment in FVs intake was associated with a 14% lower risk of frailty. The risk of frailty decreased linearly up to FVs consumption of 3.5 servings/d, with flattening the curve at higher intake. Pooled analysis regarding fruits and vegetables separately did not indicate a significant association with the risk of frailty. Indeed, the results of the meta-analysis correspond only to the cohort studies. Based on the NutriGrade score, the quality of evidence for a protective effect of FV on frailty was moderate. Conclusions: FVs consumption was associated with a decreased risk of frailty. Further large-scale prospective cohort studies are needed to reach more confident conclusions.

Automated summary

This study found an inverse association between fruits and vegetables consumption and frailty risk, with a 14% lower risk for every additional serving of FVs. However, separate pooled analysis for fruits and vegetables did not show a significant association with frailty risk. More large-scale prospective studies are needed for further conclusions.