The current mean UK intake of fruit and vegetables (F&V) for 11–18 year olds is low and estimated to be 3.4 portions per day for boys and 2.8 portions per day for girls( 1 ). The aim of this study was to investigate changes in F&V consumption in serial cohorts of 9–10 yr old children from 2000–2001 to 2010–2011. Children in UK school year 5 (9–10 yrs of age) completed the SportsLinx Lifestyles Survey containing a food intake questionnaire( Reference Johnson, Hackett, Bibby and Cross 2 ), (n = 30,239 [15,336 boys, 14,903 girls]). The proportion of boys and girls reportedly consuming F&V on the previous day to surveying were investigated annually from 2000–2011. Positive changes in F&V consumption were observed over time, with the most recent cohort more likely to consume F&V in comparison to the 2000–2001 baseline. Girls were more likely to consume F&V across several study years in comparison to boys (Table 1).
Table 1. Self-reported consumption of fruit, vegetables: Boys and girls 2000–2001 to 2010–2011
These encouraging findings suggest that children's F&V intake has improved since 2000. Furthermore, data indicate that boys and girls may require separate or different healthy eating messages to further improve food intake.
