Abstract: Even though the enormous health and nutritional benefits that could be derived from the consumption of fruits, studies have shown that most adolescents and adults do not consume fruits as per the recommended daily intake. The present study aimed to know the consumption of fruits among nutrition students. The study participants were the students between 20 to 24 years of age pursued their post-graduation in Nutrition and Dietetics. The information regarding the preference, consumption pattern and daily intake of fruits among the nutrition students were collected using the questionnaire. The questionnaire was framed in Google form and the link was sent to the college students through whatsapp and around 140 students submitted the forms completely. The received responses were analyzed and found that 55% of the participants consumed fruits at least daily once, 26% took weekly twice, and 19% reported that they had fruits monthly once or twice only. Nearly 77% took more than 100gms of fruits per day, nine percent consumed around 100gms, 10% 50 -100gms and only four percent took less than 50gms. Banana (31%) was the at most preferred fruit next to pomegranate (27%). Majority of them (93%) were aware of antioxidant and minerals present in fruits. It was concluded that the consumption of fruits was found to be high among the selected nutrition students but they have to regulate their fruits consumption. Lower prices and availability of fruits improve and encourage those in low-socioeconomic group to eat more fruits.

Keywords: Fruits, Preference, Consumption, Frequency, Nutrition

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2021.81260