Objective: To evaluate factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables among
preschoolers from families treated at basic health centers in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Methods: This was a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial. Data collection was performed
through structured questionnaires to obtain demographic and dietary data, combined
with two 24-hour recalls in the age groups 12---16 months and again at 2---3 years of age. Data
on the consumption of one daily serving of fruits (80 g) and vegetables (60 g) were evaluated,
as well as consumption of non-recommended foods such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks.
Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust estimation.
Results: A total of 388 children aged 2-3 years were evaluated; of these, 58% and 87.4% did not
consume one daily serving of fruits and vegetables, respectively. The following factors were
negatively associated with fruit consumption: family income higher than four minimum wages,
(p = 0.024), lower paternal educational level (p = 0.03), and lower fruit consumption at 12---16
months (p = 0.002). Factors negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables were
low paternal educational level (p = 0.033) and consumption of high-sugar content beverages at
12---16 months (p = 0.014).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of children who consumed less than one
daily serving of fruit and vegetables; early feeding practices, parental education, and family
income were associated with this process.
© 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda