Since 2017, Dr. Rebecca Hodder has been leading a ‘living systematic review’ to better understand what works to increase fruit and vegetable intake in children aged five years and younger.
Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is a health priority in developed countries to help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease. Establishing healthy eating habits early in childhood is crucial, as these habits often carry into adulthood.
The latest review update, which synthesised findings from 53 randomised controlled trials published up to March 2023, suggests that child-feeding practices and multicomponent strategies likely result in small increases in fruit and vegetable intake. However, parent nutrition education alone may have little to no effect in this age group. While cost and unintended harms were underreported, intervention costs ranged from USD 325 to 1,500, and no harms were reported in two studies that assessed them.
As a ‘living systematic review’, findings will be regularly updated. Future updates will be published as the conclusions or the certainty of the effectiveness of interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake in the age group changes.
To stay informed on the latest findings, visit the Cochrane Library.
