Comparison of Frequency of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Intake of Vitamins and Minerals with Antioxidant Properties in Male and Female Individuals
Abstract:
Nutrition status reflects the level of meeting the individual’s physiological need for nutrients. The consumption of vegetables and fruits is always emphasized in healthy dietary recommendations. These foods contain vita mins and phytonutrients, especially antioxidants This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 men and women living in Central Anatolia, Turkey. The data including socio-economic status, dietary habits, frequency of food consumption, and food consumption records were collected by applying a questionnaire form. The “24 hour food consumption method” was used to determine the food consumption status. The daily antioxidant nu trients consumed were evaluated according to the recommended daily dietary intake (DRI). The intake of these compounds was calculated using the Phytonutrient Assessment Questionnaire. SPSS 22.0 program was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained. The proportion of individuals with adequate daily vitamin A intake was 40.7%, while the proportion of individuals with inadequate vitamin C and vitamin E intake was 43.7% and 55.3%, respectively. Phytonutrients intake was found to be low and negligible in all individuals. A significant difference was found in the intake of vitamins A and C and phytonutrients in individuals with daily fruit and vegetable consumption habits compared to individuals who never consumed fruit and vegetables (p<0.05). In conclusion, in this study, the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption affects the level of antioxidant intake. Consumption of these foods at the recommended frequency is necessary for the intake of nutrients with antioxidant properties and phytonutrients.
