Fruits and vegetables consumption among community dwelling elderly in an Iranian population

Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet, and their consumption could help prevent a wide range of diseases. In this study, fruit and vegetable consumption in elderly people were assessed. This cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly (≥65 years old) people who came to pharmacies affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Science. Face-to-face interview using a questionnaire including Food Frequency Questionnaire and demographic and socioeconomic variables was administered. Of the total 504 participants, 56.3% were male and 43.7% were female with the mean daily unit of fruit and vegetable (combined) 4.58±1.31 and 4.65±1.28 respectively. The prevalence of daily fruit and vegetable intake 5 or more units was 37.9%. Low educational and low income participants ate lower fruits and vegetables (combined). Age, gender, smoking, chronic disease had not any significant influence on their consumption. Educational level was the only independent predictor of fruit and vegetable consumption (OR:3.81 CI: 1.64: 8.84) Most elderly people ate less than the recommendation levels of fruit and vegetables. From the point of view of prevention of chronic disease, health education programs which targeted elderly people particularly for those at the risk of low consumption are needed and recommended.