Summary
This PRISMA-compliant systematic review quantifies global vegetable consumption and supply gaps relative to WHO recommendations across 162 and 136 countries respectively. Mean global vegetable intake was found to be 186 g/day, substantially below the recommended 240 g/day threshold, with 88% of countries falling short. The authors conclude that public health campaigns are needed to increase consumption, whilst innovative food system approaches are required in 61% of countries where supply itself is currently insufficient to meet recommendations.
Regional applicability
The review includes United Kingdom data within its global assessment and provides comparative regional context. Findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom public health policy and food system planning, particularly regarding both demand-side dietary behaviour change and supply-side agricultural productivity challenges.
Key measures
Vegetable intake (g/day), vegetable supply (g/day), proportion of countries meeting WHO recommendations (≥240 g/day), weighted mean intake and supply by region, 95% confidence intervals
Outcomes reported
The systematic review assessed vegetable consumption and supply in adult populations across 162 and 136 countries respectively, comparing these data to WHO recommendations of ≥240 g/day. Results showed weighted mean vegetable intake of 186 g/day and weighted mean vegetable supply of 431 g/day, with 88% of countries below recommended intake levels.
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