A work-site nutrition intervention: its effects on the consumption of cancer-related nutrients

Abstract

Objectives: In a work-site nutrition intervention targeting fat and fiber, we examined the intervention's effect on specific nutrients implicated in carcinogenesis, including trace metals, vitamins, and categories of fatty acids. The rationale was based on the association observed in a variety of epidemiologic studies between these nutrients and epithelial cancers.

Methods: Data were taken from eight control companies and five intervention companies that fully implemented the Treatwell intervention. Analyses of variance were used preserving the study's nested design.

Results: Significant intervention-related associations were observed for increased total vitamin A and carotene. Marginal intervention effects were observed for relative decreases in the percentage of calories from both saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, a relatively smaller increase in the percentage of calories from polyunsaturated fatty acids, and an increase in the consumption of vitamin B6.

Conclusions: Results indicate a broader effect of the intervention than on fat and fiber only. Increased intake of carotene, the single most important of these other nutrients, is plausibly related to a variety of epithelial cancers.