Almost half of all UK parents admit their children don’t eat any fruit or vegetables at all.
The staggering figure - 48% - say while their children refuse their greens, a further two thirds of parents also confessed they don't eat any either.
A study found that 10% of those who don’t eat any fruit and vegetables are most likely to suffer from a vitamin deficiency.
The study was conducted by the team of nutritionists and dieticians behind personalised vitamin service www.Vitl.com, who asked 2,200 UK-based parents questions relating to the diet and lifestyle of their children.
When asked why their children don’t eat any fruit or vegetables, 66% of parents admitted that they actually don’t eat any fruit or vegetables themselves, so therefore neither does their child.
The remaining 34 percent, however, said they tried to give their child fruit and vegetables, but they simply didn’t like the taste of them.
Recent statistics show that the fruit and vegetable intake of those in years 9 to 11 has changed very little over the last 11 years and in relation to the Government’s ‘5 a day’ recommendation.
Children aged 11 to 18 are still only consuming around 3 portions of fruit and veg each day, and this hasn’t changed since 2008.
During the Vitl study parents were also asked if their child had suffered from any of the following issues, with the follow results:
Clinically overweight
17% of those who don’t eat any fruit or vegetables are clinically overweight. However the study found that only 6% of children who eat more than two pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day are clinically overweight.
Regularly constipated or digestive issues
15% of those who don’t eat any fruit or vegetables regularly suffer from constipation or digestive issues, whereas only 5% of those who eat more than two pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day suffer from constipation or digestive issues regularly.
Vitamin deficient
10% of those who don’t eat any fruit or vegetables suffer from a vitamin deficiency, whereas only 2% of those who eat more than two pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day are vitamin deficient.
Skin problems (acne, redness and/or dry spots)
8% of those who don’t eat any fruit or vegetables suffer from skin issues, whereas only 4% of those who eat more than two pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day suffer from skin issues.
Weak hair and nails
6% of those who don’t eat any fruit or vegetables have weak hair and nails, whereas only 3% of those who eat more than two pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day had weak hair and nails.
Fall ill often (common colds, sore throats etc.)
13% of those who don’t eat any fruit or vegetables fall ill more often than others, whereas only 5% of those who eat more than two pieces of fruit and/or vegetables a day fall ill often.
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