Habitual intake of fruits and vegetables amongst patients at increased risk of colorectal neoplasia

We assessed consumption of fruit and vegetables amongst patients with ulcerative colitis, colorectal polyps or previous carcinoma. The dietary intakes for 119 patients attending a gastroenterology clinic for colonoscopy were assessed using a questionnaire. A single age- and sex-matched control subject was recruited for each patient. The patients consumed 12.8% less energy than the controls ( P < 0.02) and 28.9% less fruit and vegetables ( P < 0.0001). Patients with neoplastic disease consumed 21% less fruit and vegetables than the controls ( n = 60; P < 0.01). This group of patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer selected diets containing significantly less fruit and vegetables than symptomless controls.