Fruit and vegetable consumption among children in Saudi Arabia: Predictors and associations with dietary intake

Data exploring factors related to the consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) among children in Saudi Arabia are lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate F&V consumption among Saudi children. Predictors of F&V intake and associations with dietary intake were also explored.

Cross-sectional data of 424 Saudi children (6-12 years) were collected from their mothers using an online survey. Phone interviews were conducted with mothers and children to provide data on dietary intake of children.

Most children included in the study (92.2%, n = 391) consumed less than five servings of F&V per day. Region of residency (B = -0.14, SE = 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.25 to -0.02, p = 0.019), paternal education level (B = 0.52, SE = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.24-0.79, p < 0.001) and family monthly income (B = 0.15, SE = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.29, p = 0.034) predicted the intake of F&V. Food neophobia and food pickiness also predicted the intake of F&V (B = -0.16, SE = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.27 to -0.05, p = 0.005 and B = -0.24, SE = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.36 to -0.12, p < 0.001, respectively). Children's intake of F&V positively predicted the intake of fibre, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iodine and vitamin C.

Limited intake of F&V was observed among Saudi children. F&V consumption was found to be associated with a number of sociodemographic factors, including region of residency, paternal education level and family income, as well as children's food neophobia and pickiness. Children's intake of F&V predicted higher intake of fibre, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iodine and vitamin C, suggesting that F&V consumption may contribute to improved intake of key nutrients in children.