A study led by Brunel University of London, published in Discover Social Science and Health, investigated the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and hospitalisation rates in older people, as well as their use of primary care services.

Led by Dr Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi, an economist from Brunel Business School, the new study involved more than 45,000 over-50s living in 26 European Union countries, with an average age of 71.

Dr Tabaghdehi said: ‘Around 73% of our sample reported consuming fruits or vegetables daily, while only 1% stated they consume these foods less than once a week.

‘Nearly 16% of our sample were hospitalised in the last 12 months, and among them, 64% had been hospitalised once. Just under 20% had been hospitalised twice and around 16% had spent one night in hospital. As the number of nights spent in hospital increased, the percentage of people decreased.'

She added: ‘Among those who were hospitalised at least once, individuals who consumed fruits or vegetables at least once a day also experienced shorter hospital stays.'

The study also found a 'significant' positive association between regular fruit and vegetable consumption and planned use of primary care services. Individuals who consumed fruits and vegetables daily were more likely to engage with general practitioners and specialists and had a significantly higher average number of consultations per year. 

Dr Tabaghdehi said: ‘Almost 91% of the sample indicated that they consulted or spoke with a GP at least once in the last 12 months, while approximately 68% had visited a specialist.

‘Frequent preventive care health visits promote early detection and management of potential health issues, and this reflects a proactive approach to health and a broader health consciousness.'

The researchers said people who prioritise a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also engage in other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise and adherence to medical advice, further minimising the risk of hospitalisation.

Dr Tabaghdehi said: 'Collectively, these factors contribute not only to fewer hospitalisations but also to more proactive and preventive healthcare use, which further minimises the risk of hospital care and government expenditure.'

She added: 'Our findings reinforce the potential protective effects that a healthy diet offers, and promoting fruit and vegetable-rich diets could significantly ease the burden on healthcare systems by reducing hospitalisation rates and lowering the costs of managing chronic diseases.'

Dr Tabaghdehi believes that public health initiatives should prioritise nutritional education to raise awareness about the benefits of increased fruit and vegetable consumption to encourage proactive health management.