BACKGROUND: Dietary guidance encourages consuming a variety of fruit and vegetables (FVs), which has been associated with higher FV intake and nutrient adequacy. Dietary intake of adults in the United States has not been described in the context of variety.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe FV consumption of adults in the United States by level of FV variety.
METHODS: One day of dietary intake data of adults aged ≥20 y ( = 10,064) in What We Eat in America, NHANES 2013-2016 were used. FV variety was the count of foods consumed that contributed to total FV intake. Each FV was counted only once; a mixed dish counted as 1. Variety levels were high (≥5 items, = 2316); moderate (3-4 items, = 3423); or low (1-2 items, = 3746). Differences between each level of variety were compared by test.
RESULTS: Among the low, moderate, and high levels, total FV intakes were 1.4, 2.6, and 4.4 cup equivalents (CE), respectively. CE amounts of FVs consumed were 0.3, 0.6, and 1.4 of vegetables excluding potatoes; 0.2, 0.3, and 0.3 of potatoes; 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 of fruit; and 0.4, 0.4, and 0.5 from mixed dishes, respectively; percentages of each level reporting intake were 34%, 64%, and 89% for vegetables excluding potatoes; 23%, 34%, and 32% for potatoes; 22%, 49%, and 75% for fruit; and 72%, 71%, and 72% for mixed dishes, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Those with more variety of FV intake include whole FVs more frequently and in higher amounts. These results support suggestions for encouraging more FVs at snacks and as side dishes and salads at meals to increase total intake.
