title: Association between flavonoid-rich fruit and vegetable consumption and total serum bilirubin.
abstract: Emerging work demonstrates that serum bilirubin is a novel biomarker implicated in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. However, we have a limited understanding of the influence of flavonoid-rich fruit and vegetable consumption on bilirubin levels, which was the purpose of this study. Data from the 2003 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination survey were used (n = 1783; 18-85 years of age), with analyses performed in 2014. Total serum bilirubin was measured from a blood sample. Using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), a flavonoid index variable was created summing the frequency of consumption of flavonoid-rich foods. After adjustments, greater consumption of flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables was positively associated with bilirubin levels. Our findings suggest an association between flavonoid-rich fruit and vegetable consumption and bilirubin levels. If confirmed by prospective and experimental studies, then regular consumption of flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables should be promoted to increase levels of bilirubin.
authors.affiliation: Donna & Allan Lansing School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY, USA ploprinzi@bellarmine.edu.
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Loprinzi
authors.affiliation: Donna & Allan Lansing School of Nursing & Health Sciences, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Sara E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Mahoney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D014481:United States; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005419:Flavonoids; D001663:Bilirubin
keywords: bilirubin; cardiovascular disease; epidemiology; flavonoid; nutrition