Fruit and vegetable consumption among South Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims: Low consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, especially among South Asians. The aim of our study was to systematically review data published on fruit and vegetable intake among South Asian countries. Methods: This review included 43 studies conducted from December 1999 to 2019 among South Asians. Literature searching was undertaken in PubMed® database and World Health Organization website. The main outcomes were pooled using random effect meta-analysis. Results: The highest fruit consumption by both men and women (2.4 servings/day) was found in Bhutan (2004) while the lowest reports (0.43 servings/day) were from Sri Lanka (2011) and Bangladesh (2002). With regard to vegetable consumption, Indians (2007) had the lowest reported intake (0.9 servings/day), while the highest value, 3.8 servings/day, was reported in Bhutanese adults (2014). When both intakes were considered, the highest (4.28; 95% CI, 4.02 to 4.55; p=0.15; I=51%,