Who complied with national fruit and vegetable population goals? Findings from the dietary and nutritional survey of British adults

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of the British adult population which appeared to achieve the national consumption guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption and to compare their dietary, socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural characteristics with those of other British adults who did not comply with the guidelines. Methods: A representative national dietary survey using 7 day weighed records was employed. The sample was recruited using a multistage probability design. One thousand and eighty-seven men and 1,110 women aged 16-64 years living in private households in Great Britain in 1986-1987 took part. The main outcomes were food group, nutrient consumption and socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural variables. Results: Forty per cent of men and 38% of women were classified as fruit and vegetable compliers. By definition, compliers had higher fruit and vegetable intakes of 169 g for men and 193 g for women compared to 28 g for men non-compliers and 49 g for women non-compliers. Compliers had significantly higher intakes of 20 vitamins and minerals (p<0.001) compared to non-compliers. The majority of compliers came from social classes I, II and III non-manual. Nonsmoking was significantly associated with being a complier. Almost half of compliers lived in central and southern regions and one-third lived in northern regions and Scotland (p<0.001). Conclusion: The World Health Organisation supports the need for an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption to a daily intake of 400 g per person. To increase intake there is a need for targeting the young, lower social class and those living in the north and Scotland. The approach should take into account current consumption, access to fruit and vegetables and current attitudes.