“Prescribing Fruits and Vegetables Linked to Health Benefits, New Study Finds”
A new study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation reveals that “prescribing” fruits and vegetables to adults and children can lead to increased consumption of these foods and provide multiple health benefits. The study looked at individuals at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease who participated in produce prescription programs for an average of six months.
The analysis, considered to be the largest study on the impact of produce prescriptions, included over 3,800 participants from nine programs across the country. Of these participants, almost half were children with an average age of 9, while the rest were adults with an average age of 54. More than half of the households reported experiencing food insecurity.
During the program, participants received electronic cards or vouchers to access free or discounted produce at grocery stores or farmers’ markets. They also completed questionnaires regarding fruit and vegetable consumption, food insecurity, and health status. Routine testing was conducted to monitor health status, although the study did not have a control group for comparison.
The results showed that participants in the produce prescription programs significantly increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables. Adults reported an increase of nearly one cup per day, while children increased their intake by about a quarter cup per day. This increase in consumption was associated with improved body mass index, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure levels. Additionally, participants experienced a decrease in food insecurity.
“Poor nutrition and nutrition insecurity are major contributors to chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and their cardiovascular consequences,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, chief clinical science officer of the American Heart Association. He added that the analysis of produce prescription programs demonstrates the potential for subsidized produce prescriptions to increase the consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables, reduce food insecurity, and ultimately improve overall health.
While the study acknowledged that it had limitations, such as the absence of a control group, the results suggest that produce prescriptions can be an effective tool for improving health outcomes. However, more research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to further investigate the benefits and potential biases of produce prescription programs.
In response to these findings, the American Heart Association has launched the Food Is Medicine Initiative to support future trials and research in this area. With continued efforts, produce prescriptions could play a vital role in combating chronic diseases and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities.