• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.57 no.3
• /
• pp.292-306
• /
• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated fruit and vegetable intake and associated socio-demographic and dietary factors, and compared the nutritional intake according to the fruit and vegetable intake level among Korean adolescents. Methods: This study was conducted on 1,676 adolescents who participated in the 2016-2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The subjects were classified into four groups based on the fruit and vegetable intake recommendations in 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans: Application (KDRIs Application): sufficient fruit intake (SF) group, sufficient vegetables intake (SV) group, sufficient fruit and vegetables intake (SFV) group, and not sufficient fruit and vegetable intake (NS) group The nutrient intake per day in each group was compared.. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors influencing fruit and vegetables intake. Results: In the sample of adolescents surveyed, only 1.40% met the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, while 79.54% fell below the established threshold for adequate consumption. Female adolescents, those with fathers holding university degrees or above, and those who ate breakfast at least three times a week were likelier to have adequate fruit intake. Male adolescents and those from higher-income households were likelier to consume vegetables. Females, those who ate out daily, those from lower-income households, and those who understood food labels were likelier to have adequate fruit and vegetable intake. The daily nutrient intake and intake-to-requirement ratio significantly differed according to the fruit and vegetable intake groups. The NS and SF group had lower ratios for calcium and iron, while the NS group had the lowest vitamin A and C intake. By contrast, the SFV group met almost all daily nutrient requirements, except for calcium and vitamin A. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for nutrition education programs to encourage adolescents to consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables.