Free fruit to British children may not help

LEEDS, England, July 16 (UPI) -- A program giving free fruit to school children in England may confer no long-term benefit, according to researchers at the University of Leeds.

The program initially boosted fruit intake by half a portion and slightly increased levels of beta carotene and vitamin C, according to the study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

However, these increases had waned seven months later and had disappeared completely by the third year. There were no changes in salt, fat or overall energy intake among the children. Fruit and vegetable intake actually fell at home, possibly because parents thought their children were getting their quota at school, the researchers said.

The researchers suggest the program be more structured and targeted, with the whole school and parent involvement.

The program was introduced in 2000 to cut the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease in later life.

The average consumption of fruit and vegetables in Britain is three portions a day -- two less than the recommended amount, but lower among children in deprived areas.