Few Associations between Income and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

ObjectiveTo examine the association between income and the consumption of fruits and vegetables using the poverty income ratio (PIR).DesignAssociation between PIR and intake of fruits and vegetables combined. The PIR was divided into 5 groups ranging from < poverty threshold (PT) to ≥ 400% PT.ParticipantsAdults aged 18 years and older (N = 16,232) who participated in the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and fit the qualifiers.Main Outcome MeasuresThe amount of combined fruit and vegetable intake based on income level.AnalysesUsing ANCOVA, a base model with increasing number of covariates was analyzed.ResultsMean daily intake ranged from 253-324 g for those who consumed both fruits and vegetables (N = 16,213). In the base model, significant differences in intake occurred between those who were at ≥ 400% PT and PIR groups < 400. When age, sex, race/ethnicity, and calorie intake were added to the base model, these differences remained. Adding educational level to the model removed these differences.Conclusions and ImplicationsDietary intake of fruits and vegetables is directly related to income when income reaches levels of ≥ 400% PT. These differences are mediated by education. Providing nutrition education may help individuals to reach the recommended level of consumption of fruits and vegetables.