FIVE A DAY ENOUGH?

An article in the July 18, 2007 issue of JAMA reported on the WHEL study on the effect of increased fruit and vegetable consumption of recurrence of breast cancer. The intervention group received telephone counseling to consume a daily 5 servings of vegetables, fruit juice, 3 servings of fruit, and 30 grams of fiber, and limit fat intake to 15-20%. 

The control group received a pamphlet in the mail encouraging the standard US guideline of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  During a 7-year follow-up period, recurrence of breast cancer and mortality was not reduced in the high fruit and vegetable/high fiber group.

Reference: Pierce et. al. 2007 JAMA 298(3)289-298