health [9], previous studies have found positive associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and
better self-rated health [10-13].
Regarding mental health, results are mixed. Some studies have shown that intake of fruits and vegetables, folate,
or vitamin C positively affects mental health [14-18].
Other studies have shown inconsistent or no associations
[8,19,20]. Only one longitudinal study conducted in a general population reported no significant association between fruit and vegetable intake and mental health [19].
Most previous studies have focused on adults or the
elderly. However, much less is known about the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and selfrated physical and mental health in adolescence and early
adulthood. Adolescence and early adulthood are important periods of life for two reasons. First, researchers