Beverage and solid fruits and vegetables in lean and overweight humans

Jenny A Houchins, Purdue University

Abstract

Consumption of beverage energy has been implicated in positive energy balance and weight gain in humans. Observations suggest that beverages elicit weaker dietary compensation than solid foods. However, recent reviews have mixed conclusions on the relationship between energy-containing beverage consumption and body weight, and there is clearly a need for further study on this topic. Only one controlled trial has tested food form. DiMeglio and Mattes (2000) noted weight gain during the beverage intervention, but not the solid study arm. With the current 21-week crossover study, we investigated compensatory responses, as measured by energy intake and body weight, for a beverage energy load (fruit and vegetable juice) compared to an equal energy solid load (corresponding raw fruit and vegetables) included into the usual diet. Participants were weight stable men and women, 18-38 years old, with a body mass index (BMI) of either 18.4-23 (n=15) or 27.4-33.5 (n=19). After baseline measurements, fruits and vegetables were included based on 20% estimated individual needs as beverages or as solid loads for 8 weeks each with a 3-week washout period between the treatment arms. Final measurements were taken at week 8. Participants gained weight during the beverage (1.95±0.33 kg) and solid (1.36±0.30 kg) arms of the study (both p<0.0005). Obese participants had significantly greater weight gain compared to the lean and overweight participants during the beverage portion of the study (F(2,31)=4.220, p=0.024). During consumption of solid foods, a greater proportion of overweight and obese participants gained weight compared to the lean participants (p=0.033). Energy intake increased by 245±108 kcal during the beverage intervention (p=0.03), but not during the solid study arm (121±127 kcal, p=0.348). There was no difference in energy expenditure between participant groups. These data suggest required increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially in beverage form, may lead to weight gain. Recommendations to simply increase fruit and vegetable intake to manage body weight may require caution to also monitor total energy intake.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Mattes, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Nutrition

Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server
.

Share

COinS