Nutrient Intake and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables in Young Children

Abstract

Children’s fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) is below recommendations. Objectives of the study were to (a) describe the type and frequency of FVC, (b) analyze the average nutrient intake from young children’s fruit consumption and vegetable consumption separately, and (c) determine the contribution of demographic factors on FVC. Children aged 2 to 5 years (n = 821) were identified using the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Average servings and nutrient intake from FVC were estimated. Multiple comparisons among age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, and poverty index ratio (PIR) were analyzed using an ANCOVA. Akaike’s information criterion determined relative contribution of each factor to FVC. Children consumed 3 times as many fruit servings as vegetable servings regardless of age, gender, BMI, ethnicity, and PIR. Potato products and fruit juice were consumed most frequently and in the greatest amounts. In general, children obtained more nutrients from fruits than vegetables. No differences in total fruit consumption were identified for age, gender, and BMI. Total vegetable consumption did not differ for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, and PIR. Health care professionals should promote a variety of both fruits and vegetables for children but also recognize the nutrient value of fruit in building the recommended fruit and vegetable base for young children’s diets.