Increase in cruciferous vegetable intake in women previously treated for breast cancer participating in a dietary intervention trial

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables has been associated with reduced breast cancer risk mechanistically and in population-based studies, although evidence has been inconsistent. This inconsistency may be related to limitations in quantifying and qualifying cruciferous vegetable exposure using standard instruments for dietary assessment (for example, food-frequency questionnaires, FFQs) or due to low levels of intake demonstrated among U.S. population samples. Cruciferous vegetable intake data are presented from a longitudinal study of a high-vegetable dietary intervention to reduce breast cancer recurrence among breast cancer survivors (n=1,156; 536 intervention and 620 comparison group subjects). Intake was assessed using repeat administration of an FFQ and cross-sectional administration of a cruciferous vegetable-specific FFQ (CVFFQ). Mean intake in the intervention group assessed using the standard FFQ was 37.7 g/day at baseline and increased to 57.1 g/day at 12 mo (P=0.0001) and was sustained through 48 mo. Broccoli and cabbage were the most commonly consumed cruciferous vegetables, regardless of the instrument used to assess intake. Differences in intake by group assignment were shown for raw cruciferous vegetables (30.2 g/day vs. 24.6 g/day, assessed using the CVFFQ), suggesting increased exposure to biologically active, cancer-preventive food constituents. These data suggest that this study population will be the first U.S. population sample to provide ample quantity and variety in cruciferous intake to examine whether these vegetables are protective against breast cancer recurrence.     

Feasibility of a randomized trial of a high‐vegetable diet to prevent breast cancer recurrence

Epidemiologic evidence supports the concept that diet influences risk for breast cancer and suggests that prognosis after the diagnosis of breast cancer may also be related to modifiable nutritional factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a randomized trial of a high‐vegetable, reduced‐fat, and increased‐fiber diet intervention to reduce risk for recurrence among breast cancer survivors. This major change in dietary pattern was promoted through intensive telephone counseling. Participants were 93 women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I, II, and IIIA) within the previous four years and who had completed their initial treatment. We assessed adherence to the study diet using repeated 24‐hour dietary recalls at 6 and 12 months and measurement of circulating carotenoid concentrations. Six months after randomization, the intervention group had significantly increased their mean intake of vegetables (+4.6 servings/day), fruit (+0.7 servings/day), and fiber (+6.4 g/1,000 kcal) and significantly reduced their intake of dietary fat (‐9.9% of energy) compared with the control group. Circulating concentrations of carotenoids also increased in the intervention group. These changes persisted at the 12‐month visit. Results of this study demonstrate that telephone counseling can be a useful approach in diet intervention and that breast cancer survivors can adopt and maintain a high‐vegetable, reduced‐fat dietary pattern.     

Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk of breast cancer in the Black Women's Health Study

The authors prospectively examined the relation of fruit and vegetable intake to breast cancer risk among 51,928 women aged 21-69 years at enrollment in 1995 in the Black Women's Health Study. Dietary intake was assessed by using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for breast cancer risk factors. During 12 years of follow-up, there were 1,268 incident cases of breast cancer. Total fruit, total vegetable, and total fruit and vegetable intakes were not significantly associated with overall risk of breast cancer. However, total vegetable consumption was associated with a decreased risk of estrogen receptor-negative/progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer (incidence rate ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.38, 0.85, for ≥2 servings/day relative to <4/week; P(trend) = 0.02). In addition, there was some evidence of inverse associations with breast cancer risk overall for cruciferous vegetable intake (P(trend) = 0.06) and for carrot intake (P(trend) = 0.02). Study findings suggest that frequent consumption of vegetables is inversely associated with risk of estrogen receptor-negative/progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer, and that specific vegetables may be associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer overall.     

Breast cancer risk in premenopausal women is inversely associated with consumption of broccoli, a source of isothiocyanates, but is not modified by GST genotype

The role of vegetable consumption in relation to breast cancer risk is controversial. Anticarcinogenic compounds may be present only in specific vegetables, thereby attenuating findings for total vegetable intake. Cruciferous vegetables contain precursors of isothiocyanates (ITCs), which may be chemopreventive through potent inhibition of phase I, and induction of phase II enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). We investigated associations between consumption of cruciferous vegetables, sources of ITCs, and breast cancer risk, and potential modification of relations by GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes. Cases (n = 740) were Caucasian women with incident breast cancer identified from all major hospitals in Erie and Niagara counties. Community controls (n = 810) were frequency matched to cases by age and county. An in-depth interview including a validated FFQ was administered in person. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were used to estimate relative risks. Consumption of cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, was marginally inversely associated with breast cancer risk in premenopausal women [4th quartile OR = 0.6, 95% CI (0.40-1.01), P = 0.058]. Associations were weaker or null among postmenopausal women. No significant effects of GST genotype on risk were observed in either menopausal group. These data indicate that cruciferous vegetables may play an important role in decreasing the risk of premenopausal breast cancer.     

Longitudinal changes in body weight and body composition among women previously treated for breast cancer consuming a high-vegetable, fruit and fiber, low-fat diet

Summary Background Excess adiposity has been shown to be associated with increased risk for breast cancer recurrence, and a plant-based eating pattern has been hypothesized to be protective. Whether a plant-based diet without specific energy goals will result in weight loss or changes in body composition in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer has not been fully explored. Aim of the study This study was conducted to identify changes in body weight, anthropometric measures, and body composition over a four year period in a sub-sample of breast cancer survivors participating in a dietary intervention targeting increased intake of vegetables, fruit and fiber and decreased dietary fat intake. Methods This randomized, controlled dietary intervention study compared longitudinal changes in intakes, body weight, waist:hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI) and body composition by treatment group among fiftytwo women previously treated for Stage I, II, or IIIA breast cancer from the Arizona site of the Womens Healthy Eating and Living Study. The dietary intervention aimed for eight servings of fruit and vegetables, 30 g fiber, 20% total energy from fat per day, as well as daily intake of vegetable juice. The comparison group was advised to follow general dietary guidelines for cancer prevention. Results The dietary intervention resulted in a significant and sustained increase in fiber, fruit, vegetable, and vegetable juice consumption (p < 0.05) among intervention group subjects as compared to comparison group subjects. The first 6 months resulted in a reduction in body weight and body fat among the intervention group subjects while the comparison group subjects remained stable. Subsequent measurements, at 12, 24 or 36, and 48 months, showed no significant differences in mean body weight, BMI, WHR, or body composition by study group. Also, no significant changes in these measures were demonstrated for either study group between baseline and 48 months. Conclusions The dietary intervention efforts resulted in significant changes in diet toward an increase in plant foods and a decrease in dietary fat. Changes in weight, WHR, BMI, and body composition were not different over time or by study group assignment. Interventions that promote a plantbased diet without specific energy restriction do not appear to promote changes in body weight or body composition in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. To adequately examine the role of energy restriction in reducing obesity-associated breast cancer recurrence, future interventions should include prescribed energy imbalance either through reduced intake and/or increased expenditure.     

Telephone counseling intervention increases intakes of micronutrient- and phytochemical-rich vegetables, fruit and fiber in breast cancer survivors

Although a large body of evidence suggests that diet may play an important role in cancer prevention, randomized controlled trials reported to date have not achieved sufficient increases in protective micronutrients and phytochemicals to adequately test the hypothesis that diet can reduce cancer risk. The Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study, a randomized controlled trial of the role diet modification may play in future breast cancer events, introduced an innovative theory-based telephone counseling intervention to teach participants to consume a high fiber, low fat diet emphasizing vegetables and fruits rich in carotenoids and other potentially protective phytochemicals. This report examines the baseline to 12-mo changes in dietary intakes of 2970 participants, assessed through 24-h recalls and validated with plasma carotenoid concentrations. At 12 mo, the intervention group reported a significantly increased daily vegetable intake (+vegetable juice) of 7.1 servings (+82%) and fruit intake of 3.9 servings (+18%). Fiber intake increased from 3.04 to 4.16 g/(MJ. d), whereas energy from fat decreased significantly from 28.6 to 23.7%. Plasma carotenoid concentrations increased significantly, i.e., alpha-carotene (+223%); beta-carotene (+87%); lutein (+29%); and lycopene (+17%). In the comparison group, dietary intake and plasma carotenoid concentrations were essentially identical to those of the intervention group at baseline and were unchanged at 12 mo. The WHEL Study showed that a telephone counseling intervention can achieve major increases in micronutrient- and phytochemical-rich vegetables, fruit and fiber intakes, enabling an investigation of the potential cancer preventive effects of these food components.     

Vegetable and fruit food frequency questionnaire serves as a proxy for quantified intake

BACKGROUND: Public health practitioners need valid tools to survey trends in dietary intake. The Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) includes an optional six-item vegetable and fruit intake food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) module. Our objectives were 1) to compare reported vegetable and fruit consumption from the FFQ to quantified servings (portions) defined by Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating and ascertained by a reference method, and 2) to compare the FFQ with the reference method for their classification of the proportion of respondents consuming five or more servings of vegetables and fruit per day. METHODS: Dietitians administered 24-hour recalls to each of 174 adult respondents who had completed the FFQ as part of the RRFSS. Recalls were conducted over the telephone on three separate occasions using an adaptation of the multiple pass method. RESULTS: The mean total intake of vegetables and fruit for the group was 4.6 times/day from the FFQ versus 4.8 servings/day from the recalls (paired t-test; p = 0.92). Thirty-seven percent of respondents were classified as consuming five or more times/day by the FFQ versus 35% by the 24-hour recall servings. CONCLUSION: The FFQ tool can be used as a proxy for quantified intake of vegetable and fruit consumption.     

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables and glucosinolates in a Spanish adult population

OBJECTIVE: To assess the intake of glucosinolates and cruciferous vegetables among Spanish adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study. SETTING: The Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). Subjects: We analysed data from 40 684 men and women aged 35-64 years from the EPIC-Spain cohort. The usual diet was assessed by means of the dietary history method, and glucosinolate intake was calculated using a published food composition database. RESULTS: The average intake of cruciferous vegetables was 11.3 g/day, accounting for about 5% of total vegetable consumption, whereas the daily intake of total glucosinolates was 6.5 mg, among which 35% were of indole type. The absolute intake of glucosinolates was in average higher in men than in women (6.8 vs 6.2 mg/day), whereas glucosinolate density per energy unit was higher in women's diet (3.4 vs 2.7 mg/4200 kJ). Northern regions consumed in average 36% more glucosinolates than Southern regions (7.3 vs 5.4 mg/day). There was a positive association of glucosinolate intake with body mass index, physical activity, educational level and an inverse relationship with alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the pattern seen for total vegetable intake, our estimate of consumption of cruciferous vegetables, and hence of glucosinolates, is relatively low within Europe, which in turn is lower than in North America and several Asian populations.     

Plasma carotenoid levels in Dutch men and women, and the relation with vegetable and fruit consumption

OBJECTIVE: Fruit and vegetable intake is inversely associated with cancer risk in many epidemiological studies. Accurate assessment of consumption of these foods is difficult, and biomarkers of intake would overcome several drawbacks of currently used dietary assessment methods. Therefore, we investigated the relation between plasma carotenoids and usual vegetable and fruit intake. DESIGN: Plasma carotenoid concentrations were measured and vegetable, fruit and juice consumption was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in a random sample of 591 Dutch men and women aged 20-59 y from the MORGEN-project, one of the contributions to the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-study. RESULTS: In this sample of the general Dutch population, in both genders, relative to the other carotenoids, plasma beta-cryptoxanthin was the best indicator for fruit intake, and for the sum of vegetable, fruit and juice intake, while lutein concentrations best reflected intake of vegetables, although quartiles of intake were not consistently separated. Since levels of lycopene were not associated with any of the main food groups examined, associations with total carotenoids improved when excluding lycopene, and monotonously increasing plasma levels were seen for intakes of vegetables, of fruits, and of the sum of vegetables, fruits and juices. Several vegetable types and orange/grapefruit juice were associated with plasma levels of one of the carotenoids. CONCLUSION: Plasma carotenoids were only crude indicators of vegetable and fruit intake as assessed by a FFQ; beta-cryptoxanthin for fruit intake and lutein for vegetable intake. None of the plasma carotenoids could distinguish all four quartiles of vegetables, fruit and/or juice intake.     

Relative Validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire Used to Assess Food Intake During a Dietary Intervention Study

To develop a cost-effective alternative for evaluating dietary intake in large-scale intervention trials of cancer and cardiovascular disease outcomes, we designed and validated a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We collected 6 to 8 of the 24-hr dietary recalls from 87 adults (ages 30–72 yr) who were randomly assigned to a walnut-supplemented diet or a control diet in a 6-mo dietary intervention trial. Relative validity of a 171-item FFQ in assessing intake of selected foods and the prescribed intervention (intake ≥25 g/day or intake < 2 g of walnuts) was determined using 24-h dietary recalls as the reference. De-attenuated correlations between FFQ and dietary recalls were .82 for walnuts, .80 for fruits, .79 for grains, .77 for vegetables, .63 for water, .44 for sweets, and .36 for dairy/eggs. High within-person variation did not allow de-attenuation for the remaining foods, but uncorrected correlations were high (> .7) for the beverage variables. The FFQ correctly classified 86 out of 87 subjects in the 2 prescribed intervention groups. The FFQ can provide an accurate measure of a food-based intervention (i.e., walnut supplementation) in a trial setting and can also accurately estimate a number of other food groups consumed during the trial.     

Relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire used to assess food intake during a dietary intervention study

To develop a cost-effective alternative for evaluating dietary intake in large-scale intervention trials of cancer and cardiovascular disease outcomes, we designed and validated a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We collected 6 to 8 of the 24-hr dietary recalls from 87 adults (ages 30-72 yr) who were randomly assigned to a walnut-supplemented diet or a control diet in a 6-mo dietary intervention trial. Relative validity of a 171-item FFQ in assessing intake of selected foods and the prescribed intervention (intake > or =25 g/day or intake < 2 g of walnuts) was determined using 24-h dietary recalls as the reference. De-attenuated correlations between FFQ and dietary recalls were .82 for walnuts, .80 for fruits, .79 for grains, .77 for vegetables, .63 for water, .44 for sweets, and .36 for dairy/eggs. High within-person variation did not allow de-attenuation for the remaining foods, but uncorrected correlations were high (> .7) for the beverage variables. The FFQ correctly classified 86 out of 87 subjects in the 2 prescribed intervention groups. The FFQ can provide an accurate measure of a food-based intervention (i.e., walnut supplementation) in a trial setting and can also accurately estimate a number of other food groups consumed during the trial.     

Plasma carotenoids are biomarkers of long-term high vegetable intake in women with breast cancer

We investigated predictors of change in plasma carotenoids from baseline to 3 y and examined plasma carotenoid concentrations at 1 and 3 y in response to a high vegetable diet. Participants were 56 women diagnosed with breast cancer and enrolled in a randomized feasibility study for a trial examining the effect of a diet high in vegetables and fruits on the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Independent t test analysis revealed that the intervention group had significantly higher vegetable and fruit servings and fiber at 12 mo and significantly higher vegetable servings at 36 mo compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Energy intake from fat was significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 and 36 mo. The intervention group had significantly higher consumption of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein and beta-cryptoxanthin at 12 mo (P < 0.05). beta-Carotene, alpha-carotene and lutein intakes also were significantly higher at 36 mo (P < 0.05). At 36 mo, the intervention group had significantly higher plasma concentrations of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene compared with the control group. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the intervention group had significantly increased (P < 0.05 with Bonferroni correction) plasma beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein and lycopene concentrations at 12 and 36 mo compared with baseline. Baseline carotenoid concentrations were significantly inversely predictive (P < 0.05) of plasma carotenoid change. In addition, change in body mass index (BMI) and plasma cholesterol concentrations were predictive of plasma carotenoid change from baseline to 3 y. Results of this study demonstrate that change in plasma carotenoid concentrations is associated with change in BMI, change in plasma cholesterol and baseline carotenoid concentrations. Plasma carotenoid response can be an indicator of long-term high vegetable intake for women at risk of breast cancer recurrence.     

蔬菜类胡萝卜素与矿工肺癌队列研究

目的 :　了解食用蔬菜与云南锡业公司 (云锡 ,YTC)矿工肺癌危险性的关系。方法 :　在食物频率问卷 ( FFQ)重复性和有效性研究的基础上用 χ2 检验、单因素、多因素 Cox回归分析了 7965名 40岁以上云锡矿工肺癌高危人群不同蔬菜摄入量、总蔬菜摄入量和不同类胡萝卜素摄入量与其发生肺癌相对危险性的关系。结果 :　摄入不同水平蔬菜、类胡萝卜素的矿工 ,肺癌发病率不同 ;其中总蔬菜、根茎类、葱属蔬菜、芹菜、十字花科蔬菜、薯芋类、苦瓜等浅色瓜、豆芽菜、β-胡萝卜素、α-胡萝卜素、叶黄素和玉米黄质等在不同摄入水平时云锡矿工肺癌发病率有显著性差异( P<0 .0 5 ) ;总蔬菜、根茎类、葱属蔬菜、芹菜、十字花科蔬菜、薯芋类、苦瓜等浅色瓜、β-胡萝卜素、α-胡萝卜素与肺癌相对危险性呈负相关 ( RR<1 ,P<0 .0 5 ) ;经调整年龄、工龄、吸烟后 ,根茎类、芹菜、十字花科蔬菜、薯芋类、β-胡萝卜素、α-胡萝卜素仍显示与矿工肺癌危险性呈负相关 ( RR=0 .5～ 0 .75 ,P<0 .0 5 )。结论 :　蔬菜尤其是芹菜、根茎类、十字花科蔬菜、薯芋类、β-胡萝卜素、α-胡萝卜素对云锡矿工肺癌确有一定预防作用     

Telephone counseling helps maintain long-term adherence to a high-vegetable dietary pattern

Achieving long-term adherence to a dietary pattern is a challenge in many studies investigating the relationship between diet and disease. The Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study was a multi-institutional randomized trial in 3088 women at risk for breast cancer recurrence. At baseline, the average participant followed a healthy dietary pattern of 7 vegetable and fruit servings, 21 g/d of fiber, and 28.7% energy from fat, although fat intake increased over the enrollment period. Using primarily telephone counseling, the intervention group was encouraged to substantially increase intakes of vegetables, fruits, and fiber while decreasing fat intake. Sets of 24-h dietary recalls were completed on 90% of eligible participants at 1 y and 86% at 4 y. Using a conservative imputation analysis, at 1 y, the intervention group consumed 38% more vegetable servings (100% when including juice) than the comparison group, 20% more fruit, 38% more fiber, 50% more legumes, and 30% more whole grain foods, with a 20% lower intake of energy from fat. At 4 y, the between-group differences were 65% for vegetables (including juice), 25% fruit, 30% fiber, 40% legumes, 30% whole grain foods, and 13% lower intake of energy from fat. The intervention effect on fat intake was similar for early vs. late enrollees. Plasma carotenoid concentrations on a random 28% sample validated self-reported vegetable and fruit intake, with a between-group difference of 66% at 1 y and over 40% at 4 y. This large change will allow testing of hypotheses on the role of dietary change in preventing additional breast cancer events.     

Cruciferous vegetables, the GSTP1 Ile105Val genetic polymorphism, and breast cancer risk

BACKGROUND: Cruciferous vegetables are the primary source of isothiocyanates and other glucosinolate derivatives that are known to induce phase II detoxifying enzymes, including glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). OBJECTIVE: We investigated the independent and combined effects of cruciferous vegetable intake and the GSTP1 Ile(105)Val genetic polymorphism on breast cancer risk. DESIGN: Analyses included 3035 cases and 3037 population controls who were participating in the Shanghai Breast Cancer Study and for whom diet and genetic data were complete (87% of cases and 85% of controls). RESULTS: With the use of multivariate logistic regression, the GSTP1 Val/Val genotype was significantly associated with greater breast cancer risk (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.99). The association was significantly greater in premenopausal women (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.43) than in postmenopausal women (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.92). Total cruciferous vegetable intake was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk, although subjects reporting greater turnip (P for trend < 0.001) and Chinese cabbage (P for trend = 0.049) intakes had a significantly lower postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Women with the GSTP1 Val/Val genotype and low cruciferous vegetable intake had a breast cancer risk 1.74-fold (95% CI: 1.13, 2.67) that of women with the Ile/Ile or Ile/Val genotype. This effect of low cruciferous vegetable intake and the Val/Val genotype was seen predominantly among premenopausal women (OR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.20, 3.59). CONCLUSIONS: Cruciferous vegetable intake consistent with high isothiocyanate exposure may reduce breast cancer risk. Cruciferous vegetable intake also may ameliorate the effects of the GSTP1 genotype.     

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire to assess the consumption of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables among adolescents: the method of triads

The aim of this study was to validate the intake of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables estimated by the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Adolescents (FFQA) using the method of triads. Blood samples were collected from 80 elementary school adolescents to assess serum levels of β-carotene. Partial correlation coefficients (r) were calculated between an estimated intake of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables and the serum levels of β-carotene. Validity coefficients were calculated using the method of triads. With the exception of carotenoids, partial r from the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were greater than those of the 24-hour recall (24hR). The fruit/vegetable group showed the highest partial r for the FFQ (r = 0.235) and the 24hR (r = 0.137). The highest validity coefficient was obtained for the vegetable group, as assessed by the FFQ (r = 0.873). On average, the validity coefficient values for the FFQ were greater than those obtained for the 24hR or the β-carotene serum levels. The FFQA is an accurate tool for estimating the intake of carotenoids, fruits and vegetables in this population group.     

Design of a Mediterranean Exchange List Diet Implemented by Telephone Counseling

A Greek-Mediterranean dietary pattern has two distinct aspects that differ relative to average intakes in the United States: a high intake of monounsaturated fats and a high intake of fruit and vegetables. The purpose of the study was to develop and test an exchange list Greek-Mediterranean diet that could be used in future clinical trials of breast cancer prevention. A total of 69 women, ages 25 to 59 years, were randomized to either continue their own usual diet or follow an intervention diet for 6 months during 2004 through 2005. Intervention goals were to decrease usual fat intakes by about half and to replace those fats with olive oil and other high–monounsaturated fatty acid foods; increase fruit and vegetable intakes to 7 to 9 servings/day, depending on energy intake; and consume at least one serving per day each of culinary herbs and allium vegetables. Registered dietitians provided exchange goals and individualized telephone counseling, and diets were self-selected using a Mediterranean exchange list developed specifically for this study. Changes in diet were assessed by 7-day food records. Results demonstrated that counseling using the Mediterranean exchange list was effective for large dietary changes relative to the nonintervention group. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant 48% increase in dietary monounsaturated fat with no appreciable change in total fat intake, and a significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake from 4.0 to 8.6 servings/day (P < 0.05).     

Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake among the 50-year-old population of Wroclaw

Intake of fruit and vegetable among 50-year-old population of Wroclaw and the impact of education level on the consumption of fruits and vegetables was assessed. The study group was 50-year-old, 1520 inhabitants of Wroclaw (879 women and 641 men), who participated in 2008 in the Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention Program organized by the Health Division of the Municipal Office in Wroclaw. To assess fruit and vegetable intake Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used. The mean daily intake of vegetables and fruit was 289,4 g for women and 209,1 g for men. Women consumed significantly more vegetables, fruits, and the amounts of fruits and vegetables compared with men. The impact of educational level on fruit and vegetable consumption in the study group was found.