Fruit and vegetable intake of people beneficed by Family Health Program in poor neighborhood in Fortaleza city

Abstract

The knowledge about food intake in the population is very important to promote their healthy eating pattern. Frequently is reported that fruit and vegetable intake are insufficient. The aim of this study was to verify qualitative and quantitative intake of fruits and vegetables by a certain population assisted in two basic units of Family Health Program in the city of Fortaleza. Fruit and vegetable intake was obtained through a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In order to establish the population eating pattern about fruit and vegetable intake it was defined that both food groups should be ingested by half of the group and once a week, at least. The results showed insufficient qualitative and quantitative intake. Only three kinds of fruits were use (banana, orange and papaya), with an average daily intake of 225,25 ± 267,10g. Four kinds of vegetables were mentioned (tomato, onion, carrot and lettuce), with an average daily intake of 102,66 ± 91,14g. It is recommended that the Health Community Workers develop educatives activities during their home visits to continuously stimulate the fruit and vegetable intake. Thus, they will be contributing to  nutrition and food security in this community. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Key words: diet; fruits; vegetables; food security; family health program