Estimates and trends of zero vegetable or fruit consumption among children aged 6–23 months in 64 countries

Abstract

Children require a diverse diet, that includes vegetables and fruits, to support growth and development and prevent non-communicable diseases. The WHO-UNICEF established a new infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicator: zero vegetable or fruit (ZVF) consumption among children aged 6–23 months. We estimated the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with ZVF consumption using nationally representative, cross-sectional data on child health and nutrition in low-and-middle-income countries. We examined 125 Demographic and Health Surveys in 64 countries conducted between 2006–2020 with data on whether a child ate vegetables or fruits the previous day. Prevalence of ZVF consumption was calculated by country, region, and globally. Country trends were estimated and tested for statistical significance (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between ZVF and child, mother, household, and survey cluster characteristics by world region and globally. Using a pooled estimate of the most recent survey available in each country, we estimate the global prevalence of ZVF consumption as 45.7%, with the highest prevalence in West and Central Africa (56.1%) and the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean (34.5%). Recent trends in ZVF consumption varied by country (16 decreasing, eight increasing, 14 no change). Country trends in ZVF consumption represented diverse patterns of food consumption over time and may be affected by the timing of surveys. Children from wealthier households and children of mothers who are employed, more educated, and have access to media were less likely to consume ZVF. We find the prevalence of children aged 6–23 months who do not consume any vegetables or fruits is high and is associated with wealth and characteristics of the mother. Areas for future research include generating evidence from low-and-middle-income countries on effective interventions and translating strategies from other contexts to improve vegetable and fruit consumption among young children.

Antimicrobial properties of tomato juice and peptides against typhoidal Salmonella

“…In a study conducted by Allen et al ( 28 ), it was found that a significant proportion of children (aged 6–23 months) residing in 64 developing countries, specifically 45.7%, do not include vegetables or fruits in their diet, indicating a prevalence of malnutrition in this population. In Pakistan, there has been a significant emergence and global spread of extensively drug-resistant S .…”

“…Typhi, particularly in recent years. It is worth noting that in 2018, approximately 65% of children in the country did not consume an adequate amount of vegetables or fruits, which was the highest across Asian countries, with India following closely ( 28 ). This correlation may be attributed to the association between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the enhancement of immunity and antibacterial activity ( 26 – 28 ).…”

Spatial variation of zero fruits/vegetables consumption and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: geographical weighted regression analysis

“…After 6 months, children undergo rapid growth and development, for which breastmilk alone is inadequate. Thus, it’s fundamental to supplement breastfeeding with nutrient-dense, diversified diets that include fruits and vegetables ( 3 , 4 ). Zero vegetable or fruit consumption (ZVF), which is one of many elements of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), is a novel metric introduced by the United Nations Children’s Fund (WHO-UNICEF) to assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF).…”

“…Zero vegetable or fruit consumption (ZVF), which is one of many elements of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), is a novel metric introduced by the United Nations Children’s Fund (WHO-UNICEF) to assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF). ZVF measures the proportion of children between the ages of 6 and 23 months who have not consumed any vegetables or fruits in the 24 h prior to the query ( 3 ).…”

“…Zero vegetable or fruit consumption during this crucial developing phase has been shown to significantly raise the risk of non-communicable diseases, and WHO-UNICEF has ranked it among the top 10 risk factors for mortality globally ( 2 , 3 ). Low fruit and vegetable consumption has a major negative influence on public health; globally, it is responsible for 1.7 million (2.8%) deaths and 16 million (1.0%) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) ( 15 , 16 ).…”