Study of the reasons for the consumption of each type of vegetable within a population of school-aged children

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral studies have evaluated the existence of factors that influence the consumption of vegetables in children, such as family environment, daily exposure to one or several vegetables, parents’ consumption and consumption pattern and the way in which vegetables are prepared in the household, among others. The objective of this study was to investigate the reasons for consumption associated with each vegetable in school-aged children through a survey designed to be answered by the parents.MethodsA preliminary study with 162 parents was carried out on the consumption of vegetables in children aged 6 to 12 years. Based on the information obtained, a survey was designed with 14 phrases to investigate the reasons for the low consumption of each type of vegetable among school-aged children, which was answered online by 419 parents.ResultsThe results obtained allowed us to categorise the vegetables into 6 groups. Group A consisted of tomatoes, corn, pumpkin and carrots as the vegetables that children like to eat most. Group B contains the vegetables that are consumed mostly camouflaged in other preparations, such as onions and red peppers. Group C contains only cauliflower, which was negatively associated with senses, such as colour, smell and taste. This vegetable was never offered to children by a high percentage of parents. Group D consists of green vegetables: zucchini, spinach, chard and peas. Vegetables of this group are added to other foods and the child usually ingests them camouflaged or obliged. Group E consists of beetroot, lettuce and broccoli. Beetroot and lettuce were the vegetables parents reported were most often rejected by their children. This rejection, they stated, was due to sensory aspects, such as colour, texture and taste.ConclusionsThe reasons for consumption among school-aged children depend on each type of vegetable and cannot be generalized. The sensory characteristics of the vegetable (mainly colour and flavour) and the habits of consumption in the family environment play a major role in children’s acceptance or rejection of vegetables.

Nutrient intakes and sources of fiber among children with low and high dietary fiber intake: the 2016 feeding infants and toddlers study (FITS), a cross-sectional survey

“…Whole grain intake has been positively correlated with family income [27]. Vegetable consumption in children has been linked to parental consumption, frequency of vegetable offerings, and the sensory characteristics of the vegetable [28]. Infrequent fruit and vegetable consumption during complementary feeding is associated with the same behavior at 6 years of age [29].…”

Nutritional Status of Children 24–60 Months Attending Early Child Development Centres in a Semi-Rural Community in South Africa

“…Moreover, the dislike of fruit and vegetables among children and the habit of eating fruits and vegetables at an early age is another possible reason. According to Raggio & Gambaro, (2018) the sensory characteristics of vegetables and the habits of consumption in the family environment play an important role in acceptance or rejection of vegetables by children (24).…”

Preference, Attitude, Recognition and Knowledge of Fruits and Vegetables Intake Among Malay Children

“…This is directly related to the family environment, daily exposure to fruit and vegetables and their parents’ dietary patterns ( 16 – 18 ). Sensory aspects such as taste, colour and texture were also found to influence the preference and consumption of fruits and vegetables among children ( 17 , 19 ). The rejection of green leafy vegetables among children due to its bitter taste is thought to be an adaptation strategy by children as they experience new types of food ( 19 ).…”

“…Sensory aspects such as taste, colour and texture were also found to influence the preference and consumption of fruits and vegetables among children ( 17 , 19 ). The rejection of green leafy vegetables among children due to its bitter taste is thought to be an adaptation strategy by children as they experience new types of food ( 19 ). Therefore, recognition and preference are important determinants that influence the consumption of fruits and vegetables among children.…”