Fruit and vegetable intake in minority ethnic groups in the UK: Analysis from ‘Understanding Society’ and UK Biobank

Abstract

Objective: To examine differences in fruit and vegetable intake and food insecurity between Black African and Caribbean and South Asian (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) ethnic minority groups with a White (British) reference population in the UK. This study was part of the TANGERINE project (nuTritional heAlth aNd aGeing in oldER ethnIc miNoritiEs). Design: Longitudinal analysis using multilevel logistic regression from Understanding Society, and a cross-sectional comparison with UK Biobank. Setting: Understanding Society waves 2 (2010-2012), 5 (2013-2015), 7 (2015-2017), 9 (2017-2019) 11 (2019-2021), and 13 (2021-2023). UK Biobank baseline data (2006-2010). Participants: Understanding Society: adults aged 16 years and above (approximately 44,000 households). UK Biobank: participants aged 37-73 years (n=502,412). Results: At wave 2, African, Caribbean, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi participants in Understanding Society had lower odds of daily vegetable intake than White British/Irish participants, with Pakistanis showing the lowest intake. These disparities persisted after adjusting for socioeconomic position (SEP) at individual and area level, particularly for Caribbean and Pakistani groups. Indians consistently had higher odds of vegetable intake. Ethnic differences in fruit intake were smaller and largely attenuated by SEP adjustment. Food insecurity was more prevalent in all ethnic minority groups (except Indians) and associated with lower vegetable and fruit intake, though SEP explains more of the ethnic difference. Conclusions: Ethnic differences in fruit and vegetable intake are at least partially explained by SEP, with persistent vegetable consumption disparities after adjustment. Culturally tailored interventions addressing affordability, accessibility, and SEP disparities are needed to improve dietary behaviours among minority ethnic groups.