2.2.6 Percentage of Canadian youth aged 12 to 19 years who consume fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day, by age group, 2009-2010, 2011-2012 and 2014
| Age 12 to 14 Years | Age 15 to 19 Years | |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 to 2010 | 50.4 | 48.3 |
| 2011 to 2012 | 46 | 43.4 |
| 2014 | 45 | 43 |
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the Canadian Community Health Survey. 20014. 2011-2012 and 2009-2010.
In 2014, 45% of Canadian youth aged 12 to 14 years reported that they ate fruits and vegetables at least 5 times a day. 43% of 15 to 19 year olds said that was the case.
That was down from 50% for 12 to 14 year olds and 48% of 15 to 19 year olds in 2009-2010.
Implications
Children are able to get the nutrients they need to grow and thrive by eating the right amount and type of food recommended in Canada’s Food Guide. A high intake of fruits and vegetables is one of the cornerstones of a healthy diet. Research has shown that fruit and vegetable intake are associated with a reduction in heart disease, cancer and in fact all premature mortality.1
1Aune D, Giovannucci E, Boffetta P, Fadnes LT, Keum N, Norat T, Greenwood DC, Riboli E, Vatten LJ and Tonstad S. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 46, Issue 3, 1 June 2017, Pages 1029–1056.