Increase in consumption of fresh cut produce over the past decade has resulted in a rise in incidents of food borne outbreaks due to pathogens. Conventional techniques of sanitizing washes may not be effective since the organic matter released from the fresh produce use up the free chlorine thus reducing the sanitizing potential of wash water just when it is needed most and a heat treatment step to kill pathogens cannot be applied if the purpose is to consume fresh produce. Electron beam (e-beam) irradiation was used to treat cut cantaloupe, cut roma tomatoes, baby spinach, romaine lettuce which were surface inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7. Results showed that irradiation reduced Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 significantly with increasing doses at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 kGy. The D10-value for Salmonella on irradiated cut cantaloupe, cut roma tomatoes, baby spinach, and romaine lettuce was found to be 0.71 kGy, 0.64 kGy, 0.19 kGy, and 0.23 kGy respectively. The D10-value for E. coli O157:H7 on the produce listed above was found to be 0.73 kGy, 0.54 kGy, 0.18 kGy, and 0.20 kGy respectively. Low dose e-beam irradiation was found to be an excellent tool for ensuring the reduction of spoilage organisms and extending shelf life in cut cantaloupe, cut roma tomatoes, baby spinach, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and green onion. The produce were tested for 12 days of storage for aerobic plate count, yeast and mold, lactic bacteria, color, texture, and respiration rate as a function of irradiation doses 0, 1, 3, and 5 kGy. Aerobic plate counts, yeast counts, and lactic acid bacteria were reduced appreciably at all doses tested on all commodities. Molds did not grow on any samples including control for cut cantaloupe, cut tomatoes, and green onion but for the other commodities, mold was reduced at the same rate as yeasts and vegetative bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria were reduced at all doses while the reduction was highest with 5 kGy in all commodities. When irradiated with 5 kGy, during storage, strawberries, spinach, and green onion displayed wet, soggy and mushy appearance, romaine lettuce leaves were wilted, had a translucent midrib and brown pigmentation. E-beam irradiation increased respiration rate for all samples on day 0 compared to non-irradiated control irrespective of the commodity type and the effect was dose dependent. Firmness reduced appreciably for cut roma tomatoes, baby spinach, strawberries, romaine lettuce, and green onion with increasing doses. Cut cantaloupe was low in firmness but the effect was not dose dependent. Irradiation at low doses is a promising tool to reduce pathogens and enhance keeping quality of cut cantaloupe, cut tomatoes, baby spinach, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and green onion. Irradiation is to be implemented as part of an overall HACCP plan and is not meant to replace existing control measures.

The oxidative damage to DNA, protein and lipid, may be accumulated and play a role in the process of human cell aging. Oxidative stress may be due to the aerobic respiration and ozone-induced radiation which result in reactive oxygen species known as free radicals. Therefore, the antioxidant and free radical scanvenger which may reduce the oxidative damage, are of great interest, both in academic research and in the business world. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidative potential of a very unique vegetable-fruit extract (Tsan-Ron-Bau-Yuan). The extract consists of over forty domestic vegetables and fruits, without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides during their entire growth period, is produced through a sophisticated freeze-dry technology. The anti-hydroxyl radical antioxidative potential were evaluated using the following four methods: (1) the plasmid DNA (2) the protein (3) the cell line and (4) the red blood cell . The results clearly demonstrat that the aqueous fraction of this extract can remarkably reduce the oxidative damage as evidenced by the DNA and protein model. In addition, the susceptibility of human red cells to oxidative stress can also be alleviated to some extents based on the RBC deformability studies. The efficacy of protection of the oxidative damage mediated by .OH generated by the Fenton¡¦s reaction was in the order of : aquaeous extract >100% ethanol extract > ethanol/ethylacetatee extract > 50% ethanol extract. Conversely, no significant protection to the action of hydrogen peroxide was observed in the cell line. Lysozyme which is ubiquitous among various natural products has negligible contribution as an antioxidant as revealed in the RBC deformability tests. Swine enzootic pneumoniae ¡]SEP¡^, is a disease caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection, and usually lead to considerable economic loss. Though extensive research during the past years, the molecular mechanism about the infective pathway of M. hyopneumoniae was still elusive. The membrane proteins of this microorganism were considered as critical adhesion molecules and therefore are potential candidates for vaccine development. Through immunoscreening, we had isolated five recombinant phage clones expressing 10 kDa, 32 kDa, 36 kDa, 42 kDa and 60 kDa antigen proteins from the lEMBL3 library of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. The clone carrying the P42 gene was subcloned and further characterized as a heat shock protein gene. In the present study, the heat-shock protein gene encoding a 42 kDa/ 65 kDa protein¡]P42/P65¡^was cloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3 and obtained plasmid pcDNA42. The immune response induced by pcDNA42 was evaluated in mice. The IgG titer was obviously elevated during the first eight weeks with the IgG1 titer slightly higher than IgG2a. However, the IgM titer was not changed signifcantly. Studies on the macrophage activity and T cell cytotoxity were still undergoning.

Concern that youth do not have enough fruit and vegetable intake lead to two strategies implemented to influence intake in the school environment: the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) and Fighting with Food: Battling Chemical Toxicity with Good Nutrition program (FF), which could influence phytochemical content and knowledge regarding phytochemicals, respectively. Individual food logs (n=468) were assessed upon completion of FF curriculum to determine whether students were able to correctly apply their nutrition knowledge regarding FF. Menus from one district were analyzed pre-HHFKA and post-HHFKA in elementary (n=156), middle (n=171), and high schools (n=171), for change in the frequency of fruit and vegetables, and for changes in select phytochemical and vitamin content. In food logs, students correctly identified fighting foods 71% of the time. School menus showed an increase in dark green, red/orange vegetables, with significant increases in carotenoid and flavonol content. Results suggest students are applying their nutrition knowledge. Also, more variety of fruit and vegetables are being offered, despite lack of a robust increase in all phytochemicals, which can help to lower inflammation and oxidative stress. Both strategies have the potential to work together as a multi-level intervention that can encourage more fruit and vegetable consumption among youth.

A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been strongly associated with weight management, improved overall health, and decreased incidence of chronic disease. Availability of locally grown produce is associated with a higher intake of fruits and vegetables; there were 7,864 farmers markets operating in the U.S. in 2012, a 9.6% increase from 2011. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, nutrition knowledge, and dietary habits of farmers market patrons at ten diverse markets in Kentucky. A total of 153 surveys were collected; the average age of study participants was 46 ± 21 year. Respondents reported consuming an average of 2.1 ± 1.3 fruit servings and 2.9 ± 1.6 vegetable servings per day. As well, 49% of the market patrons indicated they had an advanced or professional knowledge of nutrition. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being "extremely important", 59% of the patrons ranked having nutrition information listed on recipes as an 8 or above. Market patrons are specifically interested in the salt (87%), fat (74%), and calorie (72%) content of recipes. Results indicate that most farmers market patrons have a good knowledge of nutrition and are interested in evaluating nutrition information.

Concern that youth do not have enough fruit and vegetable intake lead to two strategies implemented to influence intake in the school environment: the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) and Fighting with Food: Battling Chemical Toxicity with Good Nutrition program (FF), which could influence phytochemical content and knowledge regarding phytochemicals, respectively. Individual food logs (n=468) were assessed upon completion of FF curriculum to determine whether students were able to correctly apply their nutrition knowledge regarding FF. Menus from one district were analyzed pre-HHFKA and post-HHFKA in elementary (n=156), middle (n=171), and high schools (n=171), for change in the frequency of fruit and vegetables, and for changes in select phytochemical and vitamin content. In food logs, students correctly identified fighting foods 71% of the time. School menus showed an increase in dark green, red/orange vegetables, with significant increases in carotenoid and flavonol content. Results suggest students are applying their nutrition knowledge. Also, more variety of fruit and vegetables are being offered, despite lack of a robust increase in all phytochemicals, which can help to lower inflammation and oxidative stress. Both strategies have the potential to work together as a multi-level intervention that can encourage more fruit and vegetable consumption among youth.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

A divulgação sobre a existência de resíduos de agrotóxicos em alimentos vem tomando espaço no Brasil, incrementando a parcela de consumidores que procura alimentos mais seguros no mercado. Nesse contexto, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram identificar os segmentos de consumidores mais suscetíveis ao consumo de frutas, legumes e verduras (FLVs) com resíduos de agrotóxicos no Brasil e avaliar como os gestores do setor varejista vêm explorando as oportunidades emergentes relacionadas à dinâmica dessa demanda. Inicialmente, um estudo quantitativo explorou dados de 18 FLVs e de seis categorias de rendimentos familiares, com o objetivo de verificar o consumo de alimentos potencialmente contaminados por resíduos de agrotóxicos, conforme as classes socioeconômicas brasileiras no ano de 2009. Isso se deu a partir de dados de consumo de produtos alimentícios fornecidos pelo IBGE e de resíduos de pesticidas em alimentos publicados pela Anvisa. Aos resultados preliminares, foram acrescentados dados das estratégias do mercado varejista na oferta de FLVs mais inócuos. Para essa etapa, foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa do tipo qualitativa, na qual 10 especialistas no tema de pesquisa foram questionados sobre como esse setor explora o mercado de frutas e hortaliças seguras em relação a essa contaminação. Os resultados encontrados na primeira fase do trabalho indicaram que os brasileiros de classes econômicas mais elevadas estão mais expostos ao consumo de resíduos de agrotóxicos presentes em FLVs. Muitas dessas substâncias são potencialmente danosas à saúde, incluindo características carcinogênicas em seus efeitos crônicos. Na segunda etapa, os agentes consultados evidenciaram a predominância da oferta de FLVs orgânicos pelo varejo brasileiro como uma alternativa pertinente, com menor risco de contaminação com resíduos de agrotóxicos. Porém, a ênfase no baixo preço dos alimentos ofertados pode restringir a oferta de FLVs orgânicos. Além disso, houve pouca e nenhuma referência dos especialistas, respectivamente, à certificação de FLVs pelo sistema de produção integrada e ao sistema de agricultura de precisão como alternativas viáveis para a oferta de FLVs seguros em relação a resíduos de agrotóxicos. Esses resultados são contrastantes com o contexto fiscalizador que vem se desenvolvendo sobre o varejo por parte das autoridades, em vista de oferta de alimentos seguros, o que oportunizaria um ambiente favorável à expansão do varejo de FLVs seguros do ponto de vista dos contaminantes agroquímicos. / The disclosure of the existence of pesticide residues in food has gained space in Brazil, thus increasing the number of consumers who seek for safer food in the market. In such context, this research aimed at identifying the segments of consumers who are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues in Brazil, and assessing the way that retail managers have explored the opportunities emerging from such demand. A quantitative study initially surveyed data about 18 fruits and vegetables and six categories of family income, aiming at verifying the consumption of food partially contaminated with pesticide residues, according to the Brazilian socioeconomic classification in 2009. This was based on both IBGE data about food consumption and Anvisa data about pesticide residues found in food. Data about retail strategies to offer more innocuous fruits and vegetables were then added to those preliminary results. At this stage, a qualitative methodology was adopted, and 10 experts were questioned about the ways that this sector has explored the market of safe fruits and vegetables considering such contamination. The results found in the first phase of this work pointed out that upper class Brazilians have been more exposed to the consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. A number of such chemicals are potentially harmful to health, including carcinogenic characteristics among their chronic effects. At the second stage, the agents consulted evidenced the prevalence of the offer of organic fruits and vegetables by the Brazilian retail industry as a pertinent alternative, with lower risk of contamination with pesticide residues. However, the emphasis on the low price of food may limit the offer of organic fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, there was little and none reference by the experts concerning fruit and vegetable certification provided, respectively, by the integrated production system and the precision agriculture system as viable alternatives to offering safe fruits and vegetables in terms of pesticides residues. Such results are in contrast to the control that has been developed by authorities over retail to offer safe food, which would favor the expansion of safe fruit and vegetable retail regarding chemical contaminants.

Introdução: Frutas, legumes e verduras (FLV) contêm vários nutrientes com efeitos favoráveis para a saúde humana. Dentre estes, o folato é um dos nutrientes chaves envolvido na manutenção da saúde, com um potencial papel na redução das concentrações plasmáticas de homocisteína (hcy), reconhecido marcador de doença cardiovascular. Objetivos: Investigar o consumo de FLV, segundo características sóciodemográficas, antropométricas e de estilo de vida e relacionar o consumo de FLV e de folato com os níveis sanguíneos de hcy em adolescentes. Métodos: Este estudo utilizou dados de adolescentes de ambos os sexos, faixa etária de 12 a 19 anos, obtidos no Inquérito de Saúde ISA - Capital, realizado periodicamente no Município de São Paulo. O consumo de FLV foi estimado no estudo realizado em 2003, cuja amostra foi de 812 participantes. Para avaliação das relações entre FLV, folato e hcy, foram utilizados dados coletados no segundo ISA-Capital, entre os anos de 2008-2010 com amostra de 183 adolescentes. O consumo de FLV e de equivalentes de folato dietético (DFE), bem como o consumo de folato natural e ácido fólico, foram estimados por um recordatório de 24h. A análise bioquímica das concentrações plasmáticas de hcy foi realizada pelo método de cromatografia líquida. O ponto de corte de hcy plasmática utilizado foi de <8 mol/L para indivíduos com menos de 15 anos e <12 mol/L para indivíduos entre 15 e 19 anos. A concentração média de hcy plasmática foi descrita de acordo com os tercis de consumo de FLV, segundo as características sócio-demográficas, antropométricas e de estilo de vida. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas no STATA® versão 10.0 considerando o nível de significância 5 por cento . Resultados: No primeiro estudo (2003) 20 por cento dos adolescentes não consumiram FLV no dia relatado e 6,5 por cento apresentaram consumo adequado. Renda, escolaridade do chefe da família e tabagismo influenciaram este consumo. Já no segundo estudo (2008-2010), 56 por cento não consumiram FLV e somente 4,9 por cento atingiram as recomendações. A prevalência de hiperhomocisteinemia na população estudada foi de 9,2 por cento . Adolescentes de 12 a 15 anos apresentaram menores valores de hcy (6,9mol/L) em comparação com os de 16 a 19 anos (8,4mol/L). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos níveis plasmáticos de hcy analisados por tercis de consumo de FLV segundo características sócio-demográficas, de estilo de vida e antropométricas. Os alimentos que mais contribuíram com o consumo de DFE foram: pães (38,4 por cento ), seguidos pelo feijão (11,7 por cento ) e massas (10,1 por cento ). Para folato natural os alimentos de maior contribuição foram: feijão (30,3 por cento ), FLV (14,9 por cento ) e pães (14,6 por cento ); e, para o ácido fólico, se destacaram pães (53,3 por cento ), massas (14,6) e biscoitos (9,8 por cento ). Conclusão: O consumo de FLV por adolescentes está muito abaixo das recomendações nas duas amostras estudadas e não influenciou as concentrações plasmáticas de hcy / Background: Fruits and vegetables (FV) contains multiple nutrients with beneficial effects for human health. Among these, folate is one of the key nutrients involved in maintaining health, with a potential role in reducing plasma concentrations of homocysteine (hcy), recognized marker of cardiovascular disease. Objectives: To investigate the FV intake, according to socio-demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics and to relate the FV and folate intake with blood levels of hcy in adolescents. Methods: This study used data from adolescents of both sexes, aged 12 to 19, enrolled in the Health Survey ISA - Capital, periodically held in São Paulo. The FV intake was estimated in the study conducted in 2003, comprising 812 participants. To assess the relationship between FV, folate and hcy, we used data collected in the ISA Capital, conducted between the years 2008-2010 with a sample of 183 adolescents. The FV intake and dietary folate equivalents (DFE), as well as natural folate and folic acid intake, were estimated by a 24-hour recall. Biochemical analysis of plasma hcy was performed by liquid chromatography. The cutoff point for plasma hcy was <8 mmol/L for individuals younger than 15 years and <12 mmol/L for individuals aged between 15 and 19 years. The average concentration of plasma hcy was described into tertiles of FV intake, according to the socio-demographic, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics. All statistical analyzes were performed in STATA ® version 10.0 with 5 per cent of significance level. Results: In the first study (2003) 20 per cent of adolescents not consumed FV on day evaluated and only 6.5 per cent had adequate intake. Per capita household income, head of familys level and smoking habit influenced this consumption. In the second study (2008-2010), 56 per cent not consumed FV and only 4.9 per cent met the recommendations. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 9.2 per cent . Adolescents aged 12 to 15 years had lower levels of hcy (6.9 mmol/L) compared with 16 to 19 years (8.4 mmol/L). No significant differences were found in plasma levels of hcy into tertiles of FV intake according to socio-demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric characteristics. Foods that most contributed to DFE intake were bread (38.4 per cent ), followed by beans (11.7 per cent ) and pasta (10.1 per cent ). For natural folate, the foods that most contributed were: beans (30.3 per cent ), FV (14.9 per cent ) and breads (14.6 per cent ), and for folic acid, breads (53.3 per cent ), pasta (14.6) and biscuits (9.8 per cent ). Conclusion: FV intake by adolescents is below the recommendations and not influenced plasma concentrations of hcy

abstract: Background: Children’s fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States is lower than recommended. School lunch is an opportunity for students to be exposed to fruits and vegetables and potentially increase their daily intake. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between tray color and fruit and vegetable selection, consumption, and waste at lunch. Methods: Study participants (n=1469) were elementary and middle school students who ate school lunch on the day of data collection. Photographs and weights (to nearest 2 g) were taken of fruits and vegetables on students’ trays before and after lunch. Trained research assistants viewed photographs and sorted trays into variable categories: color of main tray, presence/absence of secondary fruit/vegetable container, and color of secondary fruit/vegetable container. Fruit and vegetable selection, consumption, and waste were calculated using tray weights. Negative binomial regression models adjusted for gender, grade level, race/ethnicity, free/reduced price lunch status, and within-school similarities were used to examine relationships between tray color and fruit and vegetable selection, consumption, and waste. Results: Findings indicated that students with a light tray selected (IRR= 0.44), consumed (IRR=0.73) and wasted (IRR=0.81) less fruit and vegetables. Students without a secondary fruit/vegetable container selected (IRR=0.66) and consumed (IRR=0.49) less fruit and vegetables compared to those with a secondary container. Light or clear secondary fruit and vegetable containers were related to increased selection (IRR=2.06 light, 2.30 clear) and consumption (IRR=1.95 light, 2.78 clear) compared to dark secondary containers, while light secondary containers were related to decreased waste (IRR= 0.57). Conclusion: Tray color may influence fruit and vegetable selection, consumption, and waste among students eating school lunch. Further research is needed to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship. If so, adjusting container colors may be a practical intervention for schools hoping to increase fruit and vegetable intake among students. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Nutrition 2020