Associations between food and beverage purchases and skin carotenoids among diverse small food retail store customers.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if customer purchases at small food stores are associated with healthfulness of the diet as approximated by skin carotenoids.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional survey of customers in small food stores regarding demographics and food purchases. Food and beverage purchases were classified as 'healthy' or 'non-healthy' and 'carotenoid' . 'non-carotenoid' using a systematic classification scheme. Fruit and vegetable intake was objectively assessed using a non-invasive device to measure skin carotenoids. Associations between variables of interest were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients, tests and multiple linear regression analyses.

SETTING

Twenty-two small food retail stores in rural ( 7 stores) and urban ( 15) areas of North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS

Customers of small food stores.

RESULTS

Of study participants ( 1086), 55·1 % were male, 60·0 % were African American/Black and 4·2 % were Hispanic, with a mean age of 43·5 years. Overall, 36 % purchased at least one healthy item, and 7·6 % of participants purchased a carotenoid-containing food/beverage. Healthy foods and beverages purchased included produce, lean meats, 100 % juices, plain popcorn, plain nuts, milk and yogurt. Unhealthy items included non-100 % juices, crackers, chips, candy, cakes and donuts. Purchase of a healthy or carotenoid-containing item was positively associated with skin carotenoid scores ( = 0·002 and 0·006, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A relatively small proportion of customers purchased any healthy or carotenoid-containing foods and beverages, and those who did purchase healthy options had higher skin carotenoid scores. Future research should confirm these findings in different populations.