This study aimed to compare the differences in the intake of food groups and nutrients between Japanese adults who consumed the recommended daily vegetable intake (350 g/day) and those who did not. Dietary information was obtained from one-day dietary records collected from the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey, which was conducted in 46 prefectures in Japan. The participants aged ≥20 years (n = 21,606; 53.8% women) were classified into the < and ≥350 g/day groups. Inter-group differences for 17 food groups and 27 nutrients were assessed as percentages of consumers (food groups only) and energy-adjusted intake (units/MJ/d or % of total energy intake). Overall, 29% of participants consumed ≥350 g/day of vegetables. The ≥350 g/day group had a higher percentage of consumers and energy-adjusted intakes for all vegetable subgroups than the <350 g/day group. For other food groups, the ≥350 g/day group had higher percentages of consumers for all food groups, except for cereals, eggs, and condiments and seasonings, which showed no significant differences. However, the ≥350 g/day group had a significantly higher energy-adjusted intake for potatoes and other tubers, mushrooms, meats, and condiments and seasonings but a significantly lower value for cereals, eggs, savoury snacks and confectionaries, and beverages. The ≥350 g/day group had a significantly higher intake of almost all (25/27) nutrients, including sodium, than the <350 g/day group. Participants with vegetable intake ≥350 g/day might have a more favourable intake of food groups and nutrients; however, watching for salt intake is necessary when promoting vegetable intake.

Few studies have examined the impact of cigarette smoking on the risk for herpes zoster. The Shozu Herpes Zoster (SHEZ) Study is a community-based prospective cohort study over 3 years in Japan aiming to clarify the incidence and predictive and immunological factors for herpes zoster. We investigated the associations of smoking status with past history and incidence of herpes zoster. A total of 12 351 participants provided valid information on smoking status and past history of herpes zoster at baseline survey. Smoking status was classified into three categories (current, former, never smoker), and if currently smoking, the number of cigarettes consumed per day was recorded. The participants were under the active surveillance for first-ever incident herpes zoster for 3 years. We used a logistic regression model for the cross-sectional study on the association between smoking status and past history of herpes zoster, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model for the cohort study on the association with risk of incidence. The multivariable adjusted odd ratios (95% CI) of past history of herpes zoster for current vs. never smokers were 0·67 (0·54–0·80) for total subjects, 0·72 (0·56–0·93) for men and 0·65 (0·44–0·96) for women. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) of incident herpes zoster for current vs. never smokers were 0·52 (0·33–0·81) for total subjects, 0·49 (0·29–0·83) for men and 0·52 (0·19–1·39) for women. Smoking status was inversely associated with the prevalence and incidence of herpes zoster in the general population of men and women aged ⩾50 years.

Excess Na intake and insufficient K intake are well-known risk factors for CVD. International comparative studies have reported that Japan has the highest intake of Na and the lowest intake of K in the world. However, no recent study has precisely assessed Na and K intakes in Japanese adults. In the present study, Na and K intakes were estimated from two 24 h urine collections implemented in twenty-three out of forty-seven prefectures in Japan. Apparently healthy men (n 384) and women (n 376), aged 20 to 69 years, who had been working in welfare facilities were recruited, with data collection conducted in February and March 2013. The mean Na excretion was 206·0 mmol/d in men and 173·9 mmol/d in women. The respective values of K excretion were 51·6 and 47·2 mmol/d. The excretion of both Na and K varied considerably among the prefectures, and was higher in subjects with a higher BMI. In contrast, only K excretion was associated with age. After estimating the usual intakes of Na and K, it was found that none of the male subjects met the recommended Na intake values of the WHO, and that only 3·2 % met those of the Japanese government. The respective values for females were 0·1 and 5·0 %. For K intake, 7·5 % of the total subjects met the recommended values of the WHO and 21·7 % met those of the Japanese government. These findings suggest that there is an urgent need for the development of an effective intervention programme to reduce Na intake and promote K intake in the Japanese population.