Global Study Finds Children in 185 Countries Fall Short on Fruit and Vegetables
Updated
Updated · blackdoctor.com · Jul 18
Global Study Finds Children in 185 Countries Fall Short on Fruit and Vegetables
1 articles · Updated · blackdoctor.com · Jul 18
Summary
More than 1,200 dietary surveys across 185 countries found most children worldwide eat fewer fruits and vegetables than nutrition experts recommend, raising risks for growth, brain development and long-term health.
Average intake stayed low across ages: children under 1 consumed a little over one serving a day, while older teens averaged fewer than four daily servings of healthy plant foods.
U.S. children showed a sharper age split than the global pattern—those under 2 ate nearly three fruit or vegetable servings a day, but ages 2 to 19 consumed fewer than two.
From 1990 to 2018, total healthy plant-food intake among children rose globally, with South Asia the only region showing no increase; researchers said high-income countries were the only ones where intake fell with age.
Why do US kids' healthy eating habits plummet with age, and can 'Food is Medicine' programs reverse this alarming trend?
Beyond access to healthy food, what is the biggest cultural barrier that prevents teenagers from eating well?
Can global school meal programs win the fight for children's health against the massive ultra-processed food industry?
Global Study Reveals 99% of Children Worldwide Fall Short on Healthy Plant-Based Food Intake
Overview
A major study published in July 2026 in BMJ Global Health highlights a global health alert: children and adolescents around the world are not eating enough healthy plant-based foods. Led by Sydney Yearley, the research used data from 185 countries to assess the intake of fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts among those aged 0 to 19. The findings reveal a significant shortfall in essential plant-based nutrition, which can harm children's growth, learning, and overall development. This urgent issue calls for immediate action to improve access to and consumption of healthy plant foods for young people everywhere.