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Including fruit juice and smoothies within 5-a-day fruit and vegetable intake recommendations: A randomised controlled trial investigating impact on levels of intake, mood, and markers of health
The role of fruit juice and smoothies in enhancing fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption remains a topic of debate. This study sought to explore how adherence to the UK 5-a-day guideline, with or without the inclusion of one portion per day of fruit juice and smoothies, influences overall F&V intake and associated health markers.
In a four-week parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 42 healthy individuals with a low F&V intake (≤2 servings/day) participated. The subjects were divided into three groups: a control group, a whole F&V group (FV), and a whole F&V plus fruit juice/smoothies group (FV+FJ). To address financial limitations, all intervention groups received weekly financial support, and both FV and FV+FJ groups were provided with a co-designed educational booklet.
Results indicated significant differences in self-reported F&V intake after the intervention. The FV group reported an average intake of 8.9 portions per day, while the FV+FJ group’s intake was 6.6 portions per day. In contrast, the control group showed a much lower average of 2.45 portions per day (2.45 [0.64]). No significant difference was observed between the FV and FV+FJ groups (p=0.051).
Both interventions were well-received by participants. Significant differences in depression symptoms were noted across the groups, with significantly lower symptoms reported in the FV+FJ group compared to the control. However, no significant differences were identified in anxiety levels, gut symptoms, or metabolic biomarkers between the groups.
This study concludes that a financial and educational approach aligned with the UK 5-a-day recommendations, whether or not it includes fruit juice and smoothies, can effectively enhance short-term F&V intake and positively influence mood without adversely affecting health markers. [NPID: Fruit and Vegetables, smoothies, fruit juice, depression]
Year: 2026
