Fruit and vegetable consumption in a sample of 11-year-old children in ten European countries – the PRO GREENS cross-sectional survey. Issue 11 (15th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lynch, Christel; Kristjansdottir, Asa Gudrun; te Velde, Saskia J; Lien, Nanna; Roos, Eva; Thorsdottir, Inga; Krawinkel, Michael; de Almeida, Maria Daniel Vaz; Papadaki, Angeliki; Hlastan Ribic, Cirila; Petrova, Stefka; Ehrenblad, Bettina; Halldorsson, Thorhallur I; Poortvliet, Eric; Yngve, Agneta
• Is Part Of: Public health nutrition. Volume 17:Issue 11(2014)
• Page Start: 2436
• Page End: 2444
• Publication Date: 2014-07-15
• Subjects: Fruit and vegetable consumption, -- Children, -- Europe; Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition policy -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 613.2
• DOI: 10.1017/S1368980014001347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-9800

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To describe fruit and vegetable intake of 11-year-old children in ten European countries and compare it with current dietary guidelines. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Intake was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire containing a pre-coded 24 h recall and an FFQ which were completed in the classroom. Portion sizes were calculated using a standardized protocol. Setting: Surveys were performed in schools regionally selected in eight countries and nationally representative in two countries. Subjects: A total of 8158 children from 236 schools across Europe participating in the PRO GREENS project. Results: The total mean consumption of fruit and vegetables was between 220 and 345 g/d in the ten participating countries. Mean intakes did not reach the WHO population goal of ≥400 g/d in any of the participating countries. Girls had a significantly higher intake of total fruit and vegetables than boys in five of the countries (Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Bulgaria and Slovenia). Mean total fruit intake ranged between 114 and 240 g/d and vegetable intake between 73 and 141 g/d. When using the level ≥400 g/d as a cut-off, only 23·5 % (13·8–37·0 %) of the studied children, depending on country and gender, met the WHO recommendation (fruit juice excluded). Conclusions: Fruit and vegetable consumption was below recommended levels among the schoolchildren in all countries and vegetable intake was lower than fruit intake. The survey shows that there is a need for promotional activities to improve fruit and vegetable consumption in this age group.