Effect of increased vegetable and fruit consumption on plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations

Objective We assessed the effects of an intervention aimed at increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables on plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations. Methods Seventy-one healthy non-smoking women (mean ± SD 41 ± 4 y of age) were randomized to an intervention or a control group. Participants in the intervention group (n = 36) received weekly packets containing fruits and vegetables free of charge and were asked to consume a daily amount of ≥200 g of vegetables and two pieces of fruit (the Dutch recommended intake level) over a period of 1 mo. Control subjects did not receive any intervention. Results Compared with the control group, reported fruit and vegetable intakes in the intervention group increased by 133 g/d (95% confidence interval [CI] 87–179, P < 0.001) for fruits and juice and 64 g/d (95% CI 37–91, P < 0.001) for vegetables and estimated folate intake from fruits and vegetables increased by 40 μg/d (95% CI 22–58, P < 0.001). However, no effect was observed on plasma folate concentrations (intervention effect 0.3 nmol/L, 95% CI −1.8 to 2.8, P = 0.77) or homocysteine concentrations (intervention effect 0.26 μmol/L, 95% CI −0.34 to 0.87, P = 0.39). Conclusion The results suggest that 4 wk of increased fruit and vegetable consumption to the recommended amounts may be insufficient to change plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations.