The chart illustrates the proportion of people in the UK who consumed the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day between 2001 and 2008.
Overall, consumption increased markedly among all groups over the period, peaking in 2007, before experiencing a modest decline in the final year. Women consistently recorded the highest figures, while children remained the least likely to meet the recommendation.
In 2001, only around one fifth of women consumed five daily portions; however, this figure rose steadily to a peak of just over 40 percent in 2006, before falling sharply to approximately 30 percent by 2008.
Men followed a similar but less pronounced trend. After a relatively stable start between 2001 and 2003, the proportion increased significantly in 2004 and continued to rise, reaching roughly 25 percent in 2007, prior to a slight reduction in the final year.
Children showed the lowest consumption levels throughout the period. After remaining unchanged during the early years, their intake increased gradually from 2003 onwards, peaking at about 25 percent in 2007, before declining marginally in 2008.