Evaluating the Effects of Increased Fruits and Vegetables Consumption on Child Health Outcomes: An Open-Label, Unblinded, Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, is associated with improved growth, immune function, and cognitive development.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of increased fruits and vegetables consumption on child health outcomes.

Methods: This was an open label, unblinded, prospective randomized controlled trial conducted by the Department of Paediatrics, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India between January 2023 and June 2024. Group A (n=50, intervention arm) involved children with increased fruits and vegetables consumption (includes provision of fresh fruits and vegetables, nutrition education sessions, and guidance on meal planning); and Group B (n=50, control arm) involved children with no changes in diet (children will follow their usual dietary habits).

Results: The study compared growth, immune function, and cognitive development outcomes between an intervention group and a control group over six months. The intervention group showed significant improvements in height, weight, and BMI compared to the control group, with height increasing from 100 cm to 106 cm and weight from 15.0 kg to 18.0 kg. The control group's height and weight increased to only 102 cm and 16.0 kg, respectively. Immune function also improved in the intervention group, with infections decreasing from 5.1 to 2.0 and absenteeism from 10.2 to 3.2 days, while leukocyte count and lymphocyte percentage increased. The control group saw lesser reductions in infections and absenteeism. In cognitive development, the intervention group had significant increases in VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ, with VIQ rising from 90.2 to 100.0, compared to smaller gains in the control group. The results indicate the intervention's positive impact on growth, immune function, and cognitive development.

Conclusion: The findings provide compelling evidence that dietary interventions emphasizing higher intake of fruits and vegetables significantly improve multiple facets of child health.