High intake of fruit and vegetables is related to low oxidative stress and inflammation in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes

Background Patients with type 2 diabetes have increased levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. A high fruit and vegetable intake may be beneficial. Objective To study whether fruit and vegetable intake and levels of plasma antioxidants relate to markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes. Further, to investigate whether plasma antioxidants are good biomarkers for intake of fruit and vegetables. Design Patients with type 2 diabetes were studied. Their dietary intake and levels of plasma antioxidants, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were analysed. Results Fruit and vegetable intake was inversely related to oxidative stress. Plasma carotenoids were negatively correlated with inflammation. The plasma levels of α-carotene and β-carotene showed strongly positive associations with fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusions The results suggest that fruit and vegetable intake may decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in this group of patients. An increased intake of fruit and vegetables can therefore be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes, since these patients are documented to have raised oxidative stress and inflammation. The study support the usefulness of plasma α-carotene and β-carotene as biomarkers for fruit and vegetable intake.