Similarities of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Lutein/Zeaxanthin and Lycopene Intakes between Hispanic-American College Students and Their Respective Parents: A Two Generation and Gender Study.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of age and gender on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, lutein/zeaxanthin (lut+zea) and lycopene (lyc) in Hispanic-American college students living in the same household with their respective parents. There were 160 subjects (42 males and 118 females) including 80 young (ages 18-49) and 80 old (ages 50-85) participants. A 3-day dietary record was used to capture their fruit and vegetable intakes, and the data were analyzed by the SPSS statistical program. A total 3-day consumption of (lut+zea) and (lyc) was calculated using the USDA-NCC database for US foods to provide data on foods containing these nutrients for 100 grams edible portions. The results indicated that the total amount of their 3-day fruit and vegetable consumption was similar between the old and the young population. Young Hispanic females consumed less number of servings of fruits (P Introduction Statement of Problem According to data from the 2000 census, Hispanics who could be considered as a discrete and identifiable segment of the American society, are now the largest minority in the United States, forming 12.5 percent of the population. As it is evident in other immigrant communities living in the United States, Hispanic Americans are expected to be acculrurated into the dominant culture. Such cultural changes or "Americanization" may include changes in dietary habits. Poor fruit and vegetable intakes and lack of exercise are the second largest contributor to premature death and have been identified as being significant risk factors for cancer and cardiovascular disease in the U.S. (National Food and Agriculture Policy Project, 2001). The risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and age-related diseases, increases as the average person ages. The anticipated rise in the incidence of these chronic diseases as the population ages has led to increased research on preventive approaches, including cataracts (Vandenlangenberg et al., 1996). Culture, gender and age can impact the physiological states that influence a person's food habits and eating patterns. …