Intake of fruits and vegetables in smokers.
OBJECTIVE
To examine intake of fruits and vegetables in smokers and non-smokers.


METHODS
Secondary analysis using general linear modelling approaches. Food intake measured using a food frequency questionnaire approach.


METHODS
The community (the population of the province of Ontario, Canada).


METHODS
Members of the general public (n = 38,000).


RESULTS
Smokers ate substantially less fruit and fruit juice then non-smokers with heavy smokers eating the least. Heavy smokers were between four and six times more likely to be eating less fruit than recommended. Similar but less marked differences were noted for vegetable intake. Smokers also obtained a larger part of their total caloric intake from fats.


CONCLUSIONS
While smoking cessation remains the primary target for lung cancer prevention, attention should also be given to dietary interventions in smokers in order to improve their nutrition. Such interventions might also be expected to reduce the risk of other cancers (e.g. colon cancer).
Birkett
N J
NJ
Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. nbirkett@zeus.med.uottawa.ca
D000328:Adult; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables
D004041:Dietary Fats