Relationship between soup consumption, folate, beta-carotene, and vitamin C status in a French adult population

The relationship between soup consumption and folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin E and C status was assessed in adults who regularly consumed soup compared to those who did not or who were occasional eaters. Data were obtained for 2114 men and 2874 women living in France and participating in the SU.VI.MAX cohort, who reported twelve 24-hour dietary records during a two-year follow-up period. Six-point-seven percent of women and 8.7% of men were heavy consumers of soup (i.e., they consumed soup from 9-12 days out of 12 days). Respectively, 46 and 42.5% were regular soup consumers (3-8 days out of 12), and 47.3 and 48.8% were occasional or non-soup consumers (0-2 days or less out of 12). Total energy intake did not differ between soup consumers and non-consumers. In both genders, heavy consumers of soups had significantly higher intakes of carbohydrates and lower lipid intakes. Heavy consumers of soup had higher dietary intakes of folates, beta-carotene, vitamin C and, in men, of vitamin E. In heavy consumers, soups contributed 12.5% of total dietary intake of beta-carotene in men and 13% in women. For vitamin C, vitamin E, and folates, soups contributed to 4-5% of total vitamin intake. In heavy soup consumers, mean serum vitamin C levels were higher, but not significantly, than in occasional or non-soup consumers. This trend was also observed for red blood cell folate in women only. The present data suggest that consumption of soup may be beneficial in promotional programs to increase vegetable consumption, and may contribute to a balanced diet and a healthy nutritional status, and especially vitamin status, in the overall population.