Nursery World - A Unique Child: Nutrition

Is it time to consider seven portions and six colours when planning
children's intake of fruit and vegetables? By June Graham

Until very recently, the Government has urged us all to eat our 'five a day' portions of fruit and vegetables. But scientists are now saying that eating seven portions a day may be a more desirable target (see box).

Indeed, we have always been behind many other countries in the recommended amount. In Denmark, the goal is six a day. In Japan, it is suggested that they tackle 13 portions of vegetables in their day, though their portion sizes are smaller than ours; in Britain, an adult portion size is 80g, while in Japan it is only 50g. In Australia, the recommendation is '2 + 5', which is two portions of fruit and five of vegetables.

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