Biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake in human intervention studies: a systematic review

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#ascorbic-acid #beverages #biomarkers #carotenoids #cryptoxanthins

Biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake in human intervention studies: a systematic review

Baldrick et al., 2011 | Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr | Systematic Review

Citation

Baldrick Francina R, Woodside Jayne V, ... McKinley Michelle C. Biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake in human intervention studies: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011;51(9):795-815. doi:10.1080/10408398.2010.482217

Abstract

Observational evidence consistently shows that consumption of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may offer protection against diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Assessment of dietary intake is complex and prone to many sources of error. More objective biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake are therefore of interest. The aim of this review is to examine the usefulness of the main biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake to act as objective indicators of compliance in dietary intervention studies. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using six databases. Suitable papers were selected and relevant data extracted. The papers were categorized into 3 sub-groups: whole diet interventions; mixed fruit and vegetable interventions; and studies involving individual varieties of fruits or vegetables. Ninety-six studies were included in the review. Overall, the most commonly measured, and most consistently responsive, biomarkers were the carotenoids and vitamin C. Based on the results of this systematic review, it remains prudent to measure a panel of biomarkers in fruit and vegetable intervention studies. The only possible exception to this is "fruit only" intervention studies where assessment of vitamin C alone may suffice.

Key Findings

The only possible exception to this is "fruit only" intervention studies where assessment of vitamin C alone may suffice.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Beverages
  • Biomarkers
  • Carotenoids
  • Cryptoxanthins
  • Diet
  • Energy Intake
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Fruit
  • Humans
  • Lutein
  • Vegetables
  • Xanthophylls
  • Zeaxanthins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09