Introduction: Adequacy of fruit intake contributes to an individual’s health
including reducing the risk of non-communicable disease. This study aimed to
assess consumption of fruits in various forms and to determine associated factors
and barriers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 300 adults aged
20-39 years were purposely recruited from several urban locations in the Klang
Valley. Consumption of fruits in the past 12 months was assessed using a selfadministered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), assisted with pictures of serving
size of fruits. Anthropometric measurements were taken and body mass index
and waist circumference computed. Results: Fruit intake among young adults
was lower (1.6±1.0 servings/day) than the Malaysian Dietary Guideline 2010 of
≥ 2 servings/day. Only 32.3% consumed fruits as recommended, with women
consuming significantly more fruits than men. Preferred fresh fruits were red apple,
banana and papaya. Consumption of fruit juice was associated with increase in
waist circumference (R2=0.261, p=0.027) after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity,
education level and marital status. Fruit intake showed no significant association
with other anthropometric measurements. Sensory appeal, perceived health benefit,
easy to prepare and influence of family were the main determinants of fruit intake,
whilst affordability and availability were the major barriers. Conclusion: Fruit
consumption among young adults in this study was lower than the recommendation
for daily fruit intake. Studies with larger sample size are suggested to verify the
finding of significant association between fruit juice consumption and risk of
abdominal obesity.