Fruit, vegetable intake may reduce colds

Pregnant women who consumed seven servings per day of fruits and vegetables moderately reduced risk of upper respiratory infection, U.S. researchers say.

Upper respiratory tract infections include the common cold and sinus infections, which can lead to lower respiratory problems, such as asthma or pneumonia.

Senior author Martha M. Werler of the Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University says eating nutritious foods, especially fruits and vegetables, improves immunity but that hadn't previously been associated with reducing the risk of upper respiratory infections in pregnant women.