title: Dietary diversity: case study of fruit and vegetable consumption by chiropractic patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A distinct health advantage has been linked with eating a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study explores the diversity of fruits and vegetables consumed by chiropractic patients and inquires into their preferred purchasing patterns.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case study that included patients attending 24 chiropractic practices in 5 states and the Australian Capital Territory was undertaken. Seven hundred eighty-two patients were asked to complete a questionnaire providing general information about their life-style and particular information about the number of servings of fruits and vegetables that they usually consumed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although overall chiropractic patients reported adhering to a number of healthy life-style behaviors, participants in this study would benefit from eating a greater diversity of fruits and vegetables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In view of the substantial health benefits associated with eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, it is suggested that chiropractic patients be encouraged to follow a color code system for purchasing their fresh produce.
authors.affiliation: Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, RMIT, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Jamison
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D020958:Australian Capital Territory; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D026882:Manipulation, Chiropractic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D014675:Vegetables