In the U. S. the National Nutrition Monitoring System operated by the U. S. Departments of Agriculture, and Health and Human Services recently issued their joint nutrition monitoring evaluation on the nutritional status of the U. S. population. This unique report stated that vitamin A and protein, along with thiamin, riboflavin and niacin are "food components warranting continued public health monitoring consideration". Consumers are becoming aware of links between certain diseases and nutrients such as carotenoids and vitamin C, all of which are supplied by fruits and vegetables.