Fruit and Vegetables’ Consumption among Children and Adolescents: Determinants of Consumption and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Nutritional health during childhood and adolescency is important for supporting the growing body and for preventing future health problems. Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. Their consumption varies considerably among and within countries. Large proportions of children do not fulfil the World Health Organization recommendation of eating fruit and vegetables per day. Reduced fruit and vegetables’ consumption is linked to poor health, constipation and increased risk of overweight, obesity, noncommunicable diseases including cancer. The determinants for high consumption levels of fruit and vegetable are found to be related to socioeconomic status, high preferences for fruit and vegetables, high availability/accessibility of fruit and vegetables at home as well as peer influence. Possible solutions to improve fruit and vegetables’ consumption include behavioural interventions and improvements in agricultural and food systems.