The Associations of Fruit and Vegetable Intakes with Burden of Diseases: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses

Summary

This systematic review synthesised 64 meta-analytic reports examining associations between fruit and vegetable intake and disease burden, identifying 56 statistically significant risk-disease pairs across 29 conditions. Linear dose-response analysis showed the strongest protective effects for esophageal cancer with fruit (RR 0.56 per 100 g/day) and renal cell cancer with vegetables (RR 0.88 per 100 g/day); nonlinear relationships demonstrated greatest benefit from the first 100-200 g/day of intake for stroke, coronary heart disease, and all-cause mortality, with diminishing returns beyond 300 g/day. The review provides quantitative evidence of protective associations between produce consumption and major chronic disease outcomes, though heterogeneity and publication bias were noted as limitations.

Regional applicability

The findings derive from global meta-analytic evidence and are broadly applicable to United Kingdom dietary recommendations and public health policy, supporting current guidance to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. The dose-response thresholds (optimal benefit at 200-300 g/day) can inform UK dietary guidelines, though individual disease risk modification may vary by population characteristics and overall dietary pattern.

Key measures

Relative risk estimates for disease outcomes per 100 g/day increase in fruit or vegetable intake; dose-response curves (linear and nonlinear); 95% confidence intervals; quality assessment using Cochrane Review measures, AMSTAR, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale

Outcomes reported

The systematic review synthesised meta-analytic evidence on associations between fruit and vegetable intake levels and burden of 29 noncommunicable diseases, identifying 56 statistically significant risk-disease pairs from 39 reports and quantifying dose-response relationships.

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