Nutritional Significance of Fruit and Fruit Products in the Average Polish Diet

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze the supply of energy, 19 nutrients, free sugars, and dietary fiber in the average Polish diet from fruit and fruit products. Our analysis is based on 2016 data from the national representative household budget survey conducted on a sample of 36,886 households, yielding a population of 99,230 individuals. Fruit and fruit products provided 3.12% of energy to the average diet in Poland with the highest share of bananas and apples. The highest significance of this food group was found for vitamin C (23.65%), including citrus fruits providing 8.03% of vitamin C, berries (5.97%), other fruits (3.45%), and apples (3.13%). The share of fruit and their products in the supply of free sugars is equally high and amounts to 23.52%. This means that apples provide 6.34% of free sugars, while other fruits also have a high supply of free sugars, including berries 3.68%, stone fruits 3.06%, bananas 2.56%, and citrus fruits 2.54%. The proportion of supply exceeding the percentage of energy (which was 3.12%) was obtained for carbohydrate (5.79%), and fiber (13.66%). The food group studied was particularly important (more than 5% share) in providing four minerals: potassium (8.59%), iron (5.07%), magnesium (5.51%), copper (8.81%), and three vitamins: vitamin C (23.65%), vitamin B6 (5.74%), and vitamin E (5.53%). The influence of sociodemographic and economic characteristics of households on the structure of energy and nutrient supply from fruit and fruit products was assessed using cluster analysis. There were four clusters characterized by different energy, nutrient, and fiber supply. The factors with the highest statistical significance on the supply of energy, nutrients, and fiber from fruit and fruit products were month of study, income, degree of urbanization, education, size of town, and land use. The obtained results concerning energy and nutrient supply from fruits and fruit products are important for the Polish society from the public health point of view, as indicated in the discussion of results and conclusions.

Effects of Calcium Carbide Used as a Fruit-Ripening Agent on Fruit Toxicity

“…Protein, a so-called building block of life, is a source of amino acids that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Fruits in their nature have low proteins content [14]. Globally, most of the studies have highlighted the significant reduction in protein content in all fruits treated with CaC 2 .…”

Level of Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Its Relationship with Risk for Malnutrition in China’s Adult Labor Force: China Nutrition and Health Surveillance, 2015–2017

“…Research into the molecular mechanisms of fruit’s role in health has made some progress. Many studies have confirmed that the soluble fiber, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and phytochemicals rich in fruits are significantly associated with anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory activities, and can also regulate intestinal flora balance [ 12 , 14 , 65 ]. However, very low intakes result in a lack of substantial variation in micronutrient and phytochemical intake.…”

The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on the Body Characteristics, Proportion, and Health Behavior of Children Aged 6–12 Years

“…This could be due to the availability of seasonal fruits in rural areas. Reports in the literature indicate that limited access to fruit may be influenced by factors such as income, degree of urbanization, level of education, and land use [ 34 ]. Furthermore, lack of knowledge and socioeconomic inequalities may be influencing factors in the consumption of fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended [ 35 ].…”