GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., October 28, 2010 –The majority of Americans report getting a cold or flu in the past year, and more than a third say they'll make lifestyle changes to prevent getting sick again this year. However, 40 percent of Americans don't plan to take what is arguably the easiest and tastiest step to help potentially prevent illness this cold and flu season – eat more fruits and vegetables daily. (1)
According to a newly released report, America's Phytonutrient Report: Immune Health by Color, American adults who fall short in meeting their recommended daily fruit and vegetable intakes, are also likely to fall short in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc and selenium, all nutrients research suggests may support a healthy immune system. America's Phytonutrient Reports are released by The Nutrilite Health Institute, a worldwide collaboration of experts who are dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health – through research, education, and practical, personalized solutions. Nutrilite is the world's leading brand of vitamin, mineral, and dietary supplements, based on 2008 sales.
"During cold and flu season, it is especially important that Americans eat a variety of colorful plant-based foods which provide phytonutrients and important immune-boosting vitamins and minerals too," says Keith Randolph, Ph.D., Technology Strategist for Nutrilite. "Our previous research documented that, on average, eight out of 10 American adults have a phytonutrient gap. And now we find that those Americans with a phytonutrient gap are falling short when it comes to immune-boosting nutrients too."
Key Findings
Using NHANES and USDA data that show what Americans eat; America's Phytonutrient Report: Immune Health by Color found that intakes of vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium were consistently higher among people who meet their fruit and vegetable recommendations based on government guidelines. For these select vitamins and minerals, people who meet their fruit and vegetable recommendations compared to those who do not, consume:
The new report also summarized previously documented food sources of these immunity nutrients. (2) Not surprisingly, fruits and vegetables were a main contributor for vitamins A and C as follows:
And while plant-foods are not necessarily the largest source for the other immunity nutrients, they do contribute to total intake among American adults as follows according to previous research: (2)
Overall, these data support the need for more plant-based eating among Americans. And yet, data from the original America's Phytonutrient Report: Quantifying the Gap found that only 3-12% of American adults meet their fruit and vegetable intake recommendations.
Americans Attempt To Fight the Cold War
Nearly nine out of 10 Americans say they'll wash their hands more frequently during cold and flu season to prevent illness. (1) About two thirds of Americans say they'll also take other actions to avoid getting sick including getting enough sleep (66%), eating more fruits and vegetables (60%) and getting a flu shot (54%). Despite the fact that the majority of Americans say they'll step up preventative actions, most (76%) say they are no more concerned than last year that they will suffer from the cold or flu this year.
Economic Impact
By simply adding more fruits and vegetables into their daily diet to up phytonutrient intake, Americans may not only be better equipped to avoid the cold and flu this season, but they may save money too. In the US alone, the common cold is estimated to result in $2 billion spent in over-the-counter medication, and can be blamed for approximately 23 million absentee days from work. (3) All together, a total economic impact of $40 billion annually that could potentially be reduced with changes in dietary habits. (4)
Building a Stronger Immune System
"Avoiding colds and the flu takes more than just washing your hands and getting enough sleep," says Amy Hendel, Nutrilite's Phytonutrient Coach. "Eating a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables daily, that contain the antioxidant vitamins along with other plant-based foods like beans and nuts for nutrients like zinc and selenium, may be just as important."
To help close the "phytonutrient gap" and support immune health, Hendel, a registered physician assistant and nutritionist, offers the following tips for people at any age:
To see whether they have a "phytonutrient gap," consumers can check out the Phytonutrient Spectrum and their Daily Phytonutrient Snapshot at www.nutrilite.com. The Phytonutrient Spectrum brings to life the colors, health benefits and fruits and vegetables associated with select phytonutrients, and the Daily Phytonutrient Snapshot helps consumers determine which fruits and vegetables they need to eat more of to help close their individual "phytonutrient gap."
For more information about the health benefits of phytonutrients, the research behind America's Phytonutrient Report series, and more practical tips visit www.nutrilite.com .
About Nutrilite
Nutrilite is the world's leading brand of vitamin, mineral, and dietary supplements, based on 2008 sales. Nutrilite ( www.nutrilite.com ) is so committed to total quality control of its plant concentrates from seed to tablet, it's the only global vitamin and mineral brand to grow, harvest, and process plants on its own certified organic farms, located in California, Washington, Mexico, and Brazil. Nutrilite products are available exclusively through Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs) in North America.
Nutrilite's America's Phytonutrient Report: Immune Health by Color was developed from an analysis of dietary recall and health examination data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an ongoing survey designed to assess the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. This analysis was completed by Exponent for Nutrilite in June 2010.
(1) Online survey of 262 adults ages 19 and older conducted by Zoomerang in August 2010.
(2) Cotton P, Subar A, Friday J, Cook A. Dietary sources of nutrients among U.S. adults, 1994-1996. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104:921-930.
(3) Turner RB. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997;78:531-539.
(4) Fendrick AM, Monto AS, Nightengale B, Sarnes M. The economic burden of non-influenza-related viral respiratory tract infection in the United States. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:487-494.