To examine differences in fruit and vegetable intake and food insecurity between Black African and Caribbean and South Asian (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) ethnic minority groups with a White British/Irish reference population in the UK. This study was part of the TANGERINE project (nuTritional heAlth aNd aGeing in oldER ethnIc miNoritiEs).

Longitudinal analysis using multilevel logistic regression from Understanding Society and a cross-sectional comparison with UK Biobank.

Understanding Society waves 2 (2010–2012), 5 (2013–2015), 7 (2015–2017), 9 (2017–2019) 11 (2019–2021) and 13 (2021–2023). UK Biobank baseline data (2006–2010).

Understanding Society: adults aged 16 years and above (approximately 44 000 households). UK Biobank: participants aged 37–73 years (n = 502 412).

At wave 2, African, Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi participants in Understanding Society had lower odds of daily vegetable intake than White British/Irish participants, with Pakistanis showing the lowest intake. These disparities persisted after adjusting for socio-economic position (SEP) at individual and area levels, particularly for Caribbean and Pakistani groups. Indians consistently had higher odds of vegetable intake. Ethnic differences in fruit intake were smaller and largely attenuated by SEP adjustment. Food insecurity was more prevalent in all ethnic minority groups (except Indians) and associated with lower vegetable and fruit intake, though SEP explains more of the ethnic difference.

Ethnic differences in fruit and vegetable intake are at least partially explained by SEP, with persistent vegetable consumption disparities after adjustment. Culturally tailored interventions addressing affordability, accessibility and SEP disparities are needed to improve dietary behaviours among minority ethnic groups.

This study develops successful ageing profiles across six low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and examines associations with fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in mid-aged and older adults from the WHO Study of Global Ageing. Participants without chronic disease, cognitive impairment, depression or disability and with good physical, cardiovascular and respiratory function were considered to have successfully aged. Associations between F&V intake (serves/d) and successful ageing were examined using log-binomial regression adjusting for key confounders.

China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.

A total of 28 785 men and women aged 50 years and over.

Successful ageing ranged from 4 % in Mexico to 15 % in China. After adjustment, only Ghana showed an association between fruit intake and successful ageing, with an inverse association identified (prevalence ratio (PR) = 0·87, 95 % CI 0·78, 0·98). An inverse association between vegetable intake and successful ageing was found in China (0·97, 0·95, 0·98) but no other country. An inverse association was shown for both China (0·98, 0·96, 0·99) and Ghana (0·92, 0·84, 1·00) when considering fruit and vegetables combined.

Associations between F&V intake and successful ageing are inconsistent. Further studies on LMIC countries are needed to meet the challenges of the ageing population.