Abstract

The discovery of increased health-protecting properties of nutrient bioactive compounds in vegetables found in several studies has been strongly connected to the recommendation of consuming higher intake of vegetables as one of the vital dietary components. Malaysian indigenous and produce vegetables are among of the plants that possess variety of the health benefit compounds which will alleviate micronutrient-related deficiencies. The main purpose of this study is to compare the consumption pattern of indigenous and produce vegetables in rural and urban setting. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in both study area, Shah Alam and Tanjung Karang. A stratified random sampling was employed. About 213 households were selected, 91 from the rural area in Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor, and 122 from the urban area in Shah Alam. Quantitative data collected include the household demographic profile and socio-economic characteristics, availability, accessibility, diversity and consumption of Malaysian indigenous and preferences of vegetables. Moreover, data are collected on knowledge on health-protecting benefits related to test the relation with consumption of indigenous and commercial vegetables in both settings. There is no significant difference in factors that influence the consumption pattern of indigenous and produce vegetables except for availability of vegetables sold in both study areas. Unavailability of indigenous vegetables sold contributes to low intake frequency. Small production and less market demand due to unpopularity of indigenous vegetables are the reasons for the lack of availability in both study areas.