Global study finds children and teens consume insufficient plant-based foods

Young people worldwide are falling short on essential plant-based foods, consuming an average of just 3.55 servings per day, according to a comprehensive study from Tufts University. This insufficient intake among individuals under 19 raises significant concerns about their current and future health and nutritional status.

The study, which analyzed data from 185 countries between 1990 and 2018, found that while plant-based food consumption tends to increase with age in most regions, it paradoxically decreases as individuals get older in high-income nations. Globally, even the highest consumption levels among 15- to 19-year-olds do not meet recommended nutritional objectives.

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The habits established during childhood can influence health throughout life; however, we have found that the consumption of healthy plant-based foods remains low among young people worldwide

Significant variations exist between countries. Vietnam, Congo, and Mexico show higher consumption rates (4.28, 4.38, and 5.18 servings daily, respectively), contrasting sharply with Spain (1.35), Pakistan (1.43), and the United Kingdom (1.71). Researchers identified factors associated with lower intake, including lower parental education levels, residing in rural areas, and being male.

Lead author Sydney Yearley emphasized the critical role of childhood dietary habits in lifelong health. The findings underscore the urgent need for country-specific policies and interventions to improve access to nutritious plant-based foods for children and adolescents, particularly targeting rural populations and lower-income households to ensure equitable access.

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These findings provide an important benchmark for evaluating progress and identifying opportunities to improve access to nutritious foods for children and adolescents