Variety more than quantity of fruit and vegetable intake varies by socioeconomic status and financial hardship. Findings from older adults in the EPIC cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Beyond quantity, variety of fruit and vegetable (FV) intake prevents chronic conditions and is widely recommended as critical to healthful eating. FV consumption is socially patterned, especially for women, but little is known about multiple economic determinants of variety or whether they differ from those of quantity.

Objective

To examine socioeconomic status and financial hardships in relation to variety and quantity of FV intakes among older British women and men.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 9580 adults (50-79 years) in the nationally representative EPIC cohort who responded to a postal Health and Life Experiences Questionnaire (1996-2000) and Food Frequency Questionnaire (1998-2002). Variety counted unique items consumed (items/month) and quantity

SUBMITTER: Conklin AI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4217146 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature