Development of Inequalities in Fruit and Vegetable Intake through Early Adulthood: Insights from Household Panel Surveys in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Abstract

Background Adequate fruit and vegetable intake is important for preventing chronic disease. The transition from adolescence to early adulthood involves significant life changes that may determine lifelong dietary patterns. Dietary habits in early adulthood often fail to meet recommended guidelines, particularly in less affluent groups, setting the foundation for long-term health inequalities. This study examined the trajectories of fruit and vegetable intake among young adults in the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, analysing variations by sex and socioeconomic position (SEP). Methods We analysed data from young adults aged 16–30 years from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) (n = 5,132) and the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey (n = 2,981). Hybrid mixed-effect regression models were fitted to assess trajectories of fruit and vegetable intake, exploring differences by sex and SEP. Results As young adults aged, fruit intake decreased while vegetable intake increased in both countries. Age-related trajectories of vegetable intake differed between females and males in Australia, but not in the UK. Parental education was a significant predictor of vegetable intake trajectories in both cohorts, with inequalities widening with age. Conclusions The differing trajectories of fruit and vegetable intake among young adults in the UK and Australia emphasise the importance of understanding contrextual influences to effectively tailor public health strategies. Our study highlights early adulthood as a critical period for establishing dietary patterns that could influence long-term health outcomes. Addressing inequalities is essential when developing policies aimed at improving diet among young adults and reducing the prevalence of chronic disease.