BACKGROUND: The optimal intake levels of fruit and vegetables for maintaining long-term health are uncertain.
METHODS: We followed 66719 women from the Nurses’ Health Study (1984–2014) and 42016 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986–2014) who were free from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and diabetes at baseline. Diet was assessed using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire at baseline and updated every 2 to 4 years. We also conducted a dose-response meta-analysis, including results from our 2 cohorts and 24 other prospective cohort studies.>>>