Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.
BACKGROUND
Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower rates of coronary heart disease. Results from observational studies suggest a similar association with stroke.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the evidence from prospective observational studies on fruit and vegetable intake and risk of stroke.


METHODS
A meta-analysis of prospective studies was conducted to examine the association between fruit and vegetable intake and stroke. Studies were selected if they reported relative risk (RR) and 95% CI for any type of stroke and used a validated questionnaire for food intake assessment. Pooled RR were calculated and linearity of the associations was examined.


RESULTS
Seven studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, including 90,513 men, 141,536 women, and 2,955 strokes. The risk of stroke was decreased by 11% (RR 95% CI: 0.89 [0.85 to 0.93]) for each additional portion per day of fruit, by 5% (RR: 0.95 [0.92 to 0.97]) for fruit and vegetables, and by 3% (RR: 0.97 [0.92 to 1.02]; NS) for vegetables. The association between fruit or fruit and vegetables and stroke was linear, suggesting a dose-response relationship.


CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis of cohort studies suggests that fruit and fruit and vegetable consumption decreases the risk of stroke.
Dauchet
Luc
L
INSERM U508, Service d'Epidémiologie et Santé Publique, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France.
Amouyel
Philippe
P
Dallongeville
Jean
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005526:Food, Formulated / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents