Albanian children have significantly improved their eating habits. Recent studies prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe highlight that Albania ranks second in terms of fruit consumption among children, although there is still a need to increase their daily intake.
According to Jolanda Hyska, a specialist at the Institute of Public Health (IPH), 75 percent of Albanian children consume fruit.
“Albania ranks second after Portugal with a high percentage of fruit consumption among our children, and this is a positive achievement that strengthens children’s health. Seventy-five percent of our children consume fruit; however, there is still work to be done regarding portions, as we need to reach five daily servings, since only one in five children manages to meet this recommendation,” she said.
However, vegetables do not appear to be among children’s preferred foods, even though they are among the most nutritious.
“As for vegetables, we are at the European average of 33 percent, which means one in three children consumes vegetables,” the specialist added.
The healthy nutrition report highlights that Albanian children generally follow healthy eating habits, but public health experts emphasize that parents should preserve this positive trend and further strengthen healthy nutrition practices.