People who eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — as estimated by blood tests — have about a one-third lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who eat less.

Scientific Claim

Higher fruit and vegetable intake, as measured by plasma biomarkers, is associated with a 31% lower risk of type 2 diabetes when comparing individuals estimated to consume five or more portions daily versus fewer than five portions.

Original Statement

“In an analysis of the association with type 2 diabetes using this biomarker score as a cut-off level to define consumption of five or more portions a day of fruits and vegetables, the hazard ratio compared with consuming an estimated fewer than five portions a day was 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.63 to 0.76).”

From study:Unknown Title

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The hazard ratio of 0.69 is accurately reported with confidence intervals. The claim uses 'associated with' and does not claim causation, making it appropriate for the study design.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Unknown Title

Cohort Study

Human

People who ate more fruits and vegetables, as shown by blood tests, had a much lower chance of getting type 2 diabetes—up to half as much in the highest group—so eating more really helps.

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Unknown Title

Score: 59

DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2194

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