A Polish Study on the Influence of Food Neophobia in Children (10-12 Years Old) on the Intake of Vegetables and Fruits.

Dominika Guzek,Ewa Lange,Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz,Dominika Głąbska

doi:10.3390/nu9060563

Abstract

Adhering to the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables is an important habit that should be inculcated in children, whereas food neophobia is indicated as one of the most important factors creating food preferences that may interfere. The aim of the presented study was to analyze the association between the food neophobia level and the intake of fruits and vegetables in children aged 10–12 years. The study was conducted among a group of 163 children (78 girls and 85 boys). The assessment of the food neophobia level was based on the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) questionnaire and the assessment of the fruit and vegetable intake was based on the food frequency questionnaire. A negative correlation between the food neophobia level and the vegetable intake was observed both for girls (p = 0.032; R = −0.2432) and for boys (p = 0.004; R = −0.3071), whereas for girls differences in vegetable intake were observed also between various food neophobia categories (p = 0.0144). It may be concluded that children with higher food neophobia level are characterized by lower vegetable intake than children with lower food neophobia level. For fruits and juices of fruits and vegetables, associations with food neophobia level were not observed.

Highlights

Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables is indicated as a reason for 6.7 million deaths worldwide each year, which was estimated for the year 2010 [1]
The World Health Organization indicated in a report [2] that, if consumed in the recommended amounts, fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers
No differences in fruit intake in the groups of children characterized by various neophobia levels were stated for both girls and boys

Summary

Introduction

Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables is indicated as a reason for 6.7 million deaths worldwide each year, which was estimated for the year 2010 [1]. The World Health Organization indicated in a report [2] that, if consumed in the recommended amounts, fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers. In the case of children, vegetable intake is perceived as beneficial, and consuming them in every meal is a positive behavior that may contribute to healthier dietary patterns [3]. It was confirmed in a Polish study on a group of girls that the pattern associated with high fruit and vegetable intake was connected with greater restrictions in the intake of products high in sugar, fat, and starch [4].

Results

Discussion

Conclusion