Obst- und Gemüsekonsum von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland: Ergebnisse der KiGGS-Welle 1

Abstract

Background: A high fruit and vegetable intake contributes to a healthy diet, which is very important for the development of children and adolescents. Objectives: With data from the first follow-up survey of the Child and Adolescent Health Surveys (KiGGS wave 1) the fruit and vegetable intake and its association with determinants are analyzed. Methods: Via telephone interviews the average numbers of portions of fruits and vegetables consumed by 9,950 girls and boys aged 3–17 years were assessed. In addition, the proportion of persons achieving five portions of fruits and vegetables per day was calculated. The number of portions was analyzed in association with social status, parent’s educational level, media consumption, and other determinants via multiple linear regression models. Results: Only 12.2 % of girls and 9.4 % of boys consume the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. 38.6 % of girls and 33.5 % of boys consume at least three portions per day. On average, girls consume 2.7 and boys 2.4 portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Younger participants consume significantly more portions of fruits than older participants. The percentage of persons consuming five or at least three portions per day increases significantly with higher socioeconomic status, higher parent’s educational level, and lower media consumption. Furthermore, children who conduct sport outside of school, those who are physically active every day, and boys living in central Germany consume significantly more portions of fruit and vegetables. Conclusion: Most children and adolescents do not consume enough fruits and particularly vegetables. The consumption differs considerably according to socio-demographic background and lifestyle factors, which should be considered in promotional campaigns.