Intake of fruits and vegetables in smokers

To examine intake of fruits and vegetables in smokers and non-smokers.

Secondary analysis using general linear modelling approaches. Food intake measured using a food frequency questionnaire approach.

The community (the population of the province of Ontario, Canada).

Members of the general public (n = 38,000).

Smokers ate substantially less fruit and fruit juice then non-smokers with heavy smokers eating the least. Heavy smokers were between four and six times more likely to be eating less fruit than recommended. Similar but less marked differences were noted for vegetable intake. Smokers also obtained a larger part of their total caloric intake from fats.

While smoking cessation remains the primary target for lung cancer prevention, attention should also be given to dietary interventions in smokers in order to improve their nutrition. Such interventions might also be expected to reduce the risk of other cancers (e.g. colon cancer).