Vegetable and Fruit Consumption and Psychological Distress: Findings from Australian National Health Survey Data, 2011–2018

This study aims to determine the association between vegetable and fruit consumption and other lifestyle factors and the prevalence of psychological distress. Sex differences in these relationships are also examined. Data from 45,717 participants aged 18 and older, obtained via the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey (years 2011-12, 2014-15, and 2017-18), were analysed using logistic regression with jackknife parameter estimation. Vegetable consumption was inversely related to psychological distress. Eating two servings of fruit per day was associated with lower distress, but additional servings did not have the same effect. When stratified by sex, only women benefited from fruit consumption. When accounting for long-term health conditions, the sex difference in distress was ameliorated. Older age, higher exercise levels, and not smoking were significantly associated with lower distress. Frequency of alcohol consumption was inversely associated with distress. Lower-income groups consumed greater quantities of fruits and vegetables than higher-income individuals. Vegetable consumption appears to be more strongly associated with mental health than fruit consumption. Chronic disease symptom management may be one way of addressing sex differences with regard to distress levels. The differential impact of dietary components on men and women requires further investigation to determine if the effects are due to a true biological difference or unidentified confounders.