Produce Prescription Programs Improve Health for At-Risk Individuals, Study Shows
Adults at risk for heart disease who participated in produce prescription programs experienced significant health improvements, according to a recent study. The research, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, found that participants in these programs increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables, leading to reduced blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and blood sugar levels. The programs also appeared to decrease food insecurity and improve self-reported health status among both adults and children.
Produce prescription programs allow doctors to prescribe fruits and vegetables in addition to medications. Participants receive electronic cards or vouchers to obtain free or discounted produce of their choice at retail grocery or farmers’ markets. This study, believed to be the largest in its field, analyzed data from nine programs across the United States. The researchers assessed health outcomes after an average of six months.
The findings showed that adults reported consuming nearly one cup more of fruits and vegetables per day, while children increased their intake by about a quarter of a cup per day. Adults with high blood pressure at enrollment experienced a decrease of over 8 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) in systolic blood pressure and nearly 5 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. Among adults with diabetes, blood sugar levels, as measured by HbA1C, decreased by 0.29 to 0.58 percentage points. Moreover, BMI significantly improved among adults with obesity, with a reduction of 0.52 kilograms per square meter (kg/m2).
Additionally, participants reported a 62% higher likelihood of better health status by program completion. The study also found that participants were one-third less likely to experience food insecurity after completing the programs compared to before.
Poor nutrition and food insecurity are significant contributors to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The new research demonstrates the potential of produce prescription programs to increase the consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables, reduce food insecurity, and improve both subjective and objective health measures.
The American Heart Association, in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation, launched the Food is Medicine Initiative in 2022 to ensure patients receive medical prescriptions for healthy food to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Future research will focus on randomized controlled trials to further examine the benefits of produce prescription programs and offset any potential bias.
Addressing poor nutrition is crucial in combating serious long-term illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the positive impact of produce prescription programs on improving health outcomes for at-risk individuals. By increasing access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables, these programs offer a promising approach to promoting well-being and preventing chronic diseases.
