title: Fruit and vegetable preferences and intake among children in Alberta.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The association between preference for and intake of fruits and vegetables was examined among Albertan children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data used were collected as part of a provincial population-based survey among grade 5 children in Alberta. Intake of two fruits and five vegetables was assessed using the Harvard food frequency questionnaire, and preference for individual fruit and vegetable items was rated using a three-point Likert-type scale. Random effects models with children nested within schools were used to test for associations between fruit and vegetable preference and intake.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 3398 children aged 10 to 11 years returned completed surveys. Children who reported a greater liking for fruits and vegetables also reported significantly (p<0.001) higher intake. On average, children who liked a food a lot ate 0.5 to 2.7 more weekly servings of the food than did children who did not like the food.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that focusing on interventions designed to increase taste preference may lead to increased fruit and vegetable intake among children. Introducing children to unfamiliar fruits and vegetables through taste testing may be an effective and practical health promotion approach for improving dietary habits.
authors: Population Health Intervention Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB.
authors: Yen Li
authors: YL
authors: Chu
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Farmer
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Fung
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Kuhle
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Veugelers
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005638:Fruit; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013649:Taste; D014675:Vegetables