MJM, Vol 70 Supplement 1 September 2015
Fruit and Vegetable consumption among Malaysian
Adult: Findings from Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014
Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Fruits and vegetables with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fibres and antioxidant are important food for health. The aim of this study was to determine fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Malaysia.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study, which involved 3000 respondents comprising of 1388 men and 1612 women. Data were obtained from the Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey 2014. Vegetables and fruits intake among the respondents were used to evaluate the pattern of fruit and vegetables consumption among adults in Malaysia.
Results: Results showed that vegetable intake among adults aged 18-59 years was 5.9% (CI 5.82-5.99) and no significant different between women (6.09%; 95% CI: 5.98-6.19) and men (5.73%; 95% CI: 5.61-5.86). Mean serving of vegetable intake was 1.61 serving per day for men and 1.59 serving per day for women. Results by strata showed that adults from urban areas (6.00%; 95% CI: 5.99-6.11) consumed more vegetables as compared to adults in rural areas (5.68%; 95% CI: 5.55-5.82). Only 3.7% (95% CI: 3.58-3.81) of adults in Malaysia consumed fruits daily, women (3.88%; 95% CI: 3.74 - 4.03) consumed slightly more fruits daily than men (3.51%; 95% CI: 3.35-3.68). Adults from urban areas (3.85%; 95% CI: 3.69-4.00) consumed more fruits than adults in rural areas (3.33%; 95% CI: 3.19-3.46). Mean serving for fruits intake for men and women were 1.52 and 1.40 servings per day respectively. Comparison by ethnicity indicated that Chinese consumed more fruits (4.21%; 95% CI: 3.95-4.48) and vegetables (6.33%; 95% CI: 6.15-6.51) as compared with other ethnic groups.
Conclusion: Overall, there were some differences in the intake of fruits and vegetables between gender and ethnicity. However, intake of fruits and vegetables per day still were inadequate if compared with Malaysian Dietary Guidelines among adults in Malaysia. Healthy dietary habits should be promoted to prevent diseases and in promoting optimal health.
Keywords: fruit, vegetable consumption, Malaysian adult
