Four Fruits and Vegetables Account for the Majority of Consumption of Select Phytonutrients in the United States

ADA, Mich., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published online in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that consumption of four fruits and vegetables accounts for the majority of selected phytonutrient intake by U.S. adults. The paper is entitled "Phytonutrient Intake by Adults in the United States in Relation to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption."

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/amway/49573/

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110314/DE64745LOGO-a)

The new study sponsored by the Nutrilite Health Institute of Amway – the latest in the company's health and wellness research platform – found that for five selected phytonutrients, a single food source contributed the majority of phytonutrient intake. Of total alpha-carotene intake, 72% was consumed from carrots, 81% of lycopene intake came from tomatoes (and/or tomato products) and 68% of ellagic acid intake was obtained from strawberries. Oranges (and/or orange juice) contributed 64% of beta-cryptoxanthin and 94% of hesperetin intake.

"Fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet, and an important way to improve our phytonutrient intake is by eating more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables every day," said Dr. Keith Randolph, technology strategist at the Nutrilite Health Institute and co-author of the paper. "And better yet, we need to encourage people to actively select a broader variety of those nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for better health instead of the same habitual choices every day."

What are phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients are natural, plant-derived compounds, many of which give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors and may provide health benefits, including reduced risk for some age-related chronic health conditions. Phytonutrients are present in fruits and vegetables, but the type and amount widely vary. The current 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have placed increased emphasis on fruits and vegetables, and the related MyPlate icon for dietary guidance suggests that fruits and vegetables make up half the plate.

"Most Americans know they aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables. This deficit can have a significant impact on phytonutrient intake," said Mary Murphy, managing scientist at Exponent, Inc. and lead author on the study. "Given our findings, Americans might consider adding a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to their diets to help meet daily goals for these foods.  For example, a nutrient-dense and varied diet could include spinach, squash, broccoli, watermelon and a variety of berries in addition to more common choices such as tomatoes, carrots, strawberries and oranges."

The "phytonutrient gap"

As part of an ongoing initiative to educate Americans on the importance of phytonutrients in maintaining health and wellness, the Nutrilite Health Institute of Amway published "America's Phytonutrient Report: Quantifying the Gap" in 2009. This anchor report showed that, on average, eight out of 10 Americans have a "phytonutrient gap" – that is, they fall short in consuming key phytonutrient-rich foods that could benefit their health.

The research found significantly higher intake of several phytonutrients among adults who met dietary recommendations for fruit and vegetable servings. Women and older adults were more likely to get the recommended fruit and vegetable servings, according to the findings, but nearly all Americans fell short.

Dr. Randolph, acknowledging the challenges of eating in the modern world, emphasized the lifelong health value of regularly consuming a large quantity and variety of fruits and vegetables.  He further stated, "Think color when you make your choices to provide a range of phytonutrients."

For those having trouble getting enough fruits and vegetables into their diet, natural, plant-based supplements which contain phytonutrients can help close the "phytonutrient gap".

About the Research

Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2003-2004 and 2005-2006, the study estimated usual intake of nine individual phytonutrients and compared intake by individuals who met dietary guidelines for fruits and vegetables with those who did not. A total of 8,072 individuals were included in the sample population.

Read the research study as published online (http://bit.ly/tQtMdp) ahead of print in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The print publication is anticipated in the January 2012 issue of the same journal.

About Nutrilite & Nutrilite Health Institute

Nutrilite is the world's No. 1 selling vitamins and dietary supplements brand* offered exclusively from Amway. Also the top-ranking brand of children's vitamins, Nutrilite products are developed for personal daily nutrition, heart health, strong bones and weight management. Ingredients in Nutrilite products are sourced from around the world with naturally occurring phytonutrients, minerals and highly purified vitamins, combined with the best that science has to offer.  The Nutrilite brand is the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest, and process plants on its own certified organic farms.**  Farms are  located in California, Washington, Mexico, and Brazil. (www.nutrilite.com) The Nutrilite Health Institute is a worldwide collaboration of experts who are dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health – through research, education, and practical, personalized solutions.

About Amway

Amway (amway.com) is one of the world's largest direct selling businesses. Alticor Inc., parent company of Amway, reported global sales of $9.2 billion in 2010. Founded in 1959 and based in Ada, Michigan, USA, Amway offers consumer products and business opportunities in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. The top-selling brands for Amway are NUTRILITE™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY™ skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring™ water treatment systems. The company provides product development, manufacturing and logistics services through its Access Business Group and Alticor Corporate Enterprises divisions. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com. For media questions: contact Public Relations at 616-787-7565 (Michigan, United States) or [email protected].

*Source Euromonitor International Limited; Vitamins and Dietary Supplements, World, Retail Value RSP, 2010.

** "Source Euromonitor International Limited; Based on 2010 RSP sales (US$) of Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS) across all retail channels.  VDS includes mineral supplements, fish oils, dietary supplements, tonics and bottled nutritive drinks and child-specific vitamins and dietary supplements. "Global Presence" for a brand is defined as having at least a 0.1% regional value share in a least four of the seven global regions. To challenge the claim, brand owners must at least partially own and control the production process, from farms where ingredients are grown to the plants were the brand is manufactured. Brand owners must not only own farms where inputs used in the manufacture of a brand are planted, grown and harvested, but these farms must also be organically certified. Based on Euromonitor research for Amway Corporation. To the extent permissible, Euromonitor does not accept or assume responsibility to any third party in respect of this claim."

SOURCE Amway