WHO indicates that low vegetable and fruit consumption is associated with increased risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Low consumption of fruits and vegetables was linked to 3.9 million deaths in 2017, placing this among the top 10 risk factors for global mortality. While these statistics are primarily based on data from adults, there is evidence that low fruit and vegetable intake in young children is linked to low intake later in life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends one vegetable serving with every meal in the target age group. While there is no universal recommendation for the optimal number of servings of vegetables and fruits per day for infants and young children over six months of age, consumption of zero vegetables or fruits on the previous day represents an unhealthy practice.

Percentage of children 6–23 months of age who did not consume any vegetables or fruits during the previous day.

Sex of child, place of residence, household wealth

Numerator: children 6–23 months of age who did not consume any vegetables or fruits during the previous day. Denominator: children 6–23 months of age. For more information, please consult Indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices: definitions and measurement methods. Geneva: World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240018389

Population-weighted average

This indicator is based on consumption of food groups 7 (vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables) and 8 (other fruits and vegetables) described in the MDD indicator above. Plantains, starchy roots and tubers in food group 2 (such as white potatoes, yams and cassava) do not count for this indicator. Children are counted if there was no consumption of either food group.

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UNICEF Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring

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