Abstract

ALBERT, Paulina Lorenzana; BERNAL RIVAS, Jennifer; DEHOLLAIN, Juan Pablo  and  BLANCO, Ramón. Consumo de frutas y hortalizas en adolescentes de un colegio privado de Caracas, Venezuela . An Venez Nutr [online]. 2002, vol.15, n.1, pp.18-24. ISSN 0798-0752.

Fruits and vegetables are functional foods since they may be important factors in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The objective of this study was to estimate fruit and vegetable consumption and its content of ascorbic acid, b-carotene, and fiber in a sample of 146 adolescents, students in a private school in Caracas. Data were collected with a food frequency questionnaire developed from information derived from a 24 h recall questionnaire following the strategy suggested by Willett. From the data, portions of fruits and vegetables usually consumed and their content of ascorbic acid, b-carotene, and fiber were estimated. In addition, for those students who perceived their intake to be inadequate, the possible reasons were studied, as well as strategies suggested to improve their intakes. Results showed that between 70% and 85% of students had adequate (5-9 portions of fruits and vegetables daily) or more than adequate intake, between 15% and 30% did not consume the recommended portions. The main reasons cited include lack of: palatability, availability in canteen, and habit. Vitamin C and b-carotene intake was adequate but intake of fiber was below (<70%) that recommended for the majority of students. Because boys generally eat a greater volume of food than girls, their intake was better compared to their counterparts. Fruits and vegetables eaten by adolescents studied contribute to improve the variety of foods in their diet. Since an important number of subject did not consume the recommended portions, education and prevention should start during childhood and adolescence. We recommend a study of adolescents fruits and vegetable intakes from different social strata.

Keywords : Fruits; vegetables; food frequency questionnaire; teenagers; cardiovascular disease; cancer; ascorbic acid; b-caroten; fiber.