MJM, Vol 70 Supplement 1 September 2015
Current intake of food according to Food Group:
Finding from MANS 2014
Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink are most important to maintain a healthy body weight. The aim of this study was to determine fruits, vegetables and water consumption among adults in Malaysia.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which involved 3000 respondents comprising of 1388 men and 1612 women. Data were obtained from the Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey 2014. Vegetables, fruits and water intake among the respondents were used to evaluate the pattern of fruits, vegetables and water consumption among adults in Malaysia.
Results: The result showed that the mean frequency of intake for vegetables among adults of 18-years and above in this survey was 5.90 days per week (95% CI: 5.82-5.99). The mean frequency of intake for vegetables in urban areas was 6.00 days per week (95%CI: 5.90-6.11), which was slightly higher compared to intake in rural areas at 5.68 days per week (95% CI: 5.55-5.82), and the difference was statistically significant. The mean serving size for vegetables in urban and rural areas were 1.48 (95%CI: 1.41-1.55) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.49-1.68) respectively. However for mean frequency of intake for fruits among adults of 18-years and above in this survey was 3.70 days per week (95% CI: 3.58-3.81), which the mean was slightly higher in the urban areas at 3.85 days per week (95% CI: 3.69- 4.00) compared to rural areas at 3.33 days per week (95% CI: 3.19- 3.46). The mean serving size of water among adults of 18-years and above in this survey was 7.01 (95% CI: 6.72-7.29) servings per day.
Conclusion: Overall, there were some differences in the intake of fruits, vegetables and water according socio-demography. Therefore, healthy dietary habits should be promoted to prevent diseases and in promoting optimal health.
Keywords: Food Intake, food group, MANS 2014.
