Changes in Self-Reported Fruit and Vegetable Intake following Nutritional Modification in High Risk Older Veterans

Monica C. Serra, Odessa Addison, Jamie Giffuni, Kelly Barton-Ort, Elizabeth Parker, Leslie Katzel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This project aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing a dietary intervention in older Veterans participating in an exercise and health promotion program (Gerofit) and whether this intervention could improve self-reported fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake measured by BRFSS and diet quality measured by visual analog scale (0–10 scale). Participation consisted of optional group and individual counseling with a Registered Dietitian (RD). Out of 50 participants approached to participant in the program, 24 Veterans attended ≥2 group sessions (2.9 ± 2.0 classes, which was 82% of total available sessions). There was a reported trend toward increased daily F&V intake (pre vs. post: 3.4 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 2.0 servings/day, p = 0.07) and a significant increase in diet quality (4.7 ± 0.5 vs. 5.9 ± 0.4, p= 0.03) from baseline compared to the last attended class. These promising preliminary findings can be used to inform efforts to optimize dietary intake in vulnerable Veteran populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Dietary intervention
  • fruit and vegetable intake
  • veteran

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Changes in Self-Reported Fruit and Vegetable Intake following Nutritional Modification in High Risk Older Veterans'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this