Trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in the United States: behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 1994-2000.
OBJECTIVE
We examined trends in fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States.


METHODS
A 6-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess consumption among 434 121 adults in 49 states and the District of Columbia who were sampled in random-digit-dialed telephone surveys administered in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000.


RESULTS
Although the geometric mean frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption declined slightly, the proportion of respondents consuming fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day did not change. With the exception of the group aged 18 to 24 years, which experienced a 3-percentage-point increase, little change was seen among sociodemographic subgroups.


CONCLUSIONS
Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption changed little from 1994 to 2000. If increases are to be achieved, additional efforts and new strategies will be needed.
Serdula
Mary K
MK
Chronic Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mail Stop K-26, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. mks1@cdc.gov
Gillespie
Cathleen
C
Kettel-Khan
Laura
L
Farris
Rosanne
R
Seymour
Jennifer
J
Denny
Clark
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014675:Vegetables