Introduction: cAMP Response Element Binding (CREB) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) protein levels tend to be a critical mediator for the beneficial effects of diet on neurogenesis and cognitive function. Increased fruit intake has been associated with improved cognitive function. However, in Malaysia, most adolescents still haven't met the recommended intake of fruits and far less is known on how their adequacy of fruit intake can be affected to their protein levels of CREB and BDNF. Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 352 students aged 14 and 16 years old involving 11 secondary schools in Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Hulu Terengganu Districts. A validated MyUM adolescent FFQ was used for fruit intake assessment. Blood sample to determine the level of CREB and BDNF proteins. Results: A total of 53.7% of adolescents consumed an adequate intake ( 2 servings/day) of fruits. Serum level BDNF was significantly (p
Introduction: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of vegetable intake and its associated personal, socio-environmental and physical-environmental factors among Malay adolescents in rural Terengganu. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1st January 2019 to 31st May 2019 at selected secondary schools in rural Terengganu in Marang and Hulu Terengganu districts. A total of 240 students were recruited by mul- tistage random sampling method in schools and based on inclusion criteria. A validated questionnaire was developed consisting of four (4) sections; demographic data, personal, socio-environmental and physical-environmental factors of vegetable intake. Reliability test found the validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire to be acceptable with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.762. Results: The respondents consisted of 53% males and 47% females with mean age of 15.01 (1.00) years old. Majority of the respondents had normal BMI status (48%) follows by underweight (20%), overweight (16%) and obese (16%). Majority (83%) had inadequate vegetable intake per day. Factors that were associated with the vegetable intake among adolescents were liking (p=0.01), intention (p=0.01) and habit (p