Effect of Fruit and Vegetable Intake on Markers of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption (BIOFAV)

Single biomarkers of FV consumption, such as Vitamin C and certain carotenoids and flavonoids, have been proposed, but associations between these compounds and FV intake are relatively weak. The investigators propose that, given the complexity of FV, production of an algorithm based on a wide variety of bioactive compounds found in FV might better predict FV consumption. A controlled feeding study (30 volunteers randomised to 2, 5 or 8 portions of FV day for 4 weeks) will allow development of such an algorithm. Volunteers will be recruited by advertisement from QUB and the general public, and will have all their food provided for the 4 week period (two meals per day during the week to be consumed under supervision at the University).