Dietary improvement in people with schizophrenia: randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
People with schizophrenia make poor dietary choices.


OBJECTIVE
To measure the impact of giving free fruit and vegetables for 6 months on eating habits in schizophrenia.


METHODS
We randomly allocated 102 people with schizophrenia in two areas of Scotland to receive free fruit and vegetables for 6 months, supported by instruction in meal planning and food preparation; free fruit and vegetables alone; or to continue as before. Diet was assessed using the Scottish Health Survey questionnaire. Blood samples to measure micronutrients were taken and mental state, body mass index, level of physical activity and future risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) were assessed.


RESULTS
After the intervention, those who received free fruit and vegetables, or free fruit and vegetables and associated instruction, were consuming significantly more fruit and vegetables than those in the treatment as usual group. Consumption fell to pre-intervention levels 12 months after the intervention stopped. There was no between-group difference at any time in blood micronutrients, body mass index, physical activity or risk of CHD.


CONCLUSIONS
The diet of people with schizophrenia improved when they were given free fruit and vegetables but this was given free fruit and vegetables but this was not sustained after withdrawal of the intervention. A support programme added no benefit.
McCreadie
Robin G
RG
Director of Clinical Research, Crichton Royal Hospital, Dumfries DG1 4TG, UK. robin.mccreadie@nhs.net
Kelly
Ciara
C
Connolly
Moira
M
Williams
Sue
S
Baxter
Gwen
G
Lean
Michael
M
Paterson
John R
JR
D015992:Body Mass Index; D003296:Cooking / Q000379:methods; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D004032:Diet; D004435:Eating; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood; D012737:Sex Factors; D014675:Vegetables
D018977:Micronutrients