Socioeconomic Differences Among Australian Adults in Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables and Intakes of Vitamins A, C and Folate

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether socioeconomic groups differ in their food intakes for fruit and vegetables, their consumption of fruit and vegetables dense in vitamin A, folate and vitamin C, and their nutrient intakes of vitamin C, folate and vitamin A.
Methods: The 1995 Australian National Nutrition Survey collected food intake data from 8883 adults aged 18-64 years using a 24-hour dietary recall. Fruit and vegetable was measured as amount (g) consumed. Intakes of nutrients were estimated from the 24-hour dietary recall data. Participants were categorised whether or not they consumed fruits or vegetables high in vitamin A, folate and vitamin C. Gross annual household income was used to measure socioeconomic position.
Results: Participants from low-income households consumed a smaller quantity of fruits and vegetables. They were also less likely to consume fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, folate and vitamin A. Consistent with these findings, men and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups had lower intakes of vitamin C and folate compared to their more affluent counterparts. These differences were small to moderate in magnitude. Vitamin A intakes were not significantly related to income.
Conclusion: As well as promoting healthy dietary practices, nutrition-promotion strategies should target improving the nutrient intakes of lower socioeconomic groups. These programs should focus on improving the quantity and choice of fruits and vegetables consumed by people from low-income households.