Exploring the Link Between Nutrition Knowledge and Fruit/Vegetable Intake in College Students
Food insecurity among college students, coupled with limited nutrition knowledge and barriers to healthy eating, has a profound impact on diet quality and fruit and vegetable consumption. These challenges are further exacerbated by the difficulties in accurately and efficiently collecting dietary data in research settings. This study sought to investigate the relationship between nutrition knowledge and fruit/vegetable intake by utilizing skin, plasma, and dietary carotenoid levels as biomarkers.
The study recruited 166 undergraduate and graduate students aged 18 years and older from a California public university. The sample was predominantly female (80%, n = 133), with 18% male (n = 30) and 2% identifying as non-binary (n = 3). Food security was evaluated using the USDA’s 10-item Adult Food Security Survey Module, while nutrition knowledge was assessed through a validated questionnaire. Biological data included blood samples and skin carotenoid measurements using the Veggie Meter®. Dietary quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), and carotenoid intake were evaluated using Diet ID™, a photo-based dietary assessment tool.
The results revealed that the mean nutrition knowledge score was 36.55 ± 8.83 out of 58 points, and the mean skin carotenoid score was 307.07 ± 110.22. Higher nutrition knowledge scores were associated with increased plasma carotenoid levels, higher HEI scores, and greater total carotenoid intake as measured by Diet ID™. Interestingly, food security status did not significantly impact nutrition knowledge but did influence HEI scores and skin carotenoid levels. Students with very low food security exhibited poorer diet quality and lower carotenoid levels compared to their food-secure peers.
The findings suggest that nutrition knowledge is a significant predictor of fruit and vegetable intake among university students. However, the overall impact of diet quality may be hindered by an individual’s food security status. While nutrition knowledge is undeniably important, addressing food insecurity is crucial for improving diet quality among college students.
Commentary by SuppBase columnist Alice Winters
This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between nutrition knowledge, food security, and diet quality among college students. The use of biomarkers such as skin and plasma carotenoids to objectively measure fruit and vegetable intake is a notable strength, as it reduces the reliance on self-reported dietary data, which can often be inaccurate. The findings underscore the importance of nutrition education in promoting healthier eating habits, particularly in a population that is often vulnerable to food insecurity.
However, the study also highlights a critical limitation: even with adequate nutrition knowledge, students facing food insecurity struggle to maintain a high-quality diet. This suggests that educational interventions alone may not be sufficient to address the dietary challenges faced by this demographic. Structural solutions, such as expanding access to affordable, nutritious food options on campus, are equally important.
The study’s focus on carotenoids as a biomarker is particularly interesting, as these compounds are not only indicators of fruit and vegetable intake but also have significant health benefits, including antioxidant properties and potential roles in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The correlation between higher nutrition knowledge and increased carotenoid levels further emphasizes the value of nutrition education in promoting long-term health.
That said, the study’s predominantly female sample may limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should aim to include a more balanced gender representation to ensure that the results are applicable to a broader population. Additionally, while the Veggie Meter® and Diet ID™ are innovative tools, their accuracy and reliability in diverse populations warrant further investigation.
From a market perspective, this study has implications for the supplement and health product industry. College students, particularly those facing food insecurity, may benefit from targeted nutritional supplements that address specific micronutrient deficiencies. However, it is crucial to approach this with caution, as supplements should not replace whole foods but rather complement a balanced diet.
In conclusion, this study underscores the dual importance of nutrition education and food security in improving diet quality among college students. While knowledge empowers individuals to make healthier choices, systemic barriers such as food insecurity must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of a nutritious diet. For the supplement industry, this presents an opportunity to develop products that support the unique needs of this demographic, but always with an emphasis on promoting whole-food consumption and addressing the root causes of dietary inadequacies.
