Objectives: The elderly population in Iran is growing. Nutrition is one of the vital factors in the health of the elders. Significant evidence indicates that low consumptions of fruits and vegetables are the most significant risk factor for the development of chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the amount of fruit and vegetable consumption among the hospitalized elderly in Zahedan.

Methods & Materials: This was an analytical-descriptive study done on 300 people sixty years of age and over who were hospitalized in the city of Zahedan. An accessible sampling method was used along with a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability had been established. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) as well as inferential statistics (chi-square) with a 99% confidence interval were used for the analysis of the data.

Results: According to findings the average age of the research sample was 68.8±5.7. As for their literacy rate 70% of the participants in the study were illiterate. Sixty-nine point six percent were urban dwellers 69.7% of the participants were married 97.7% and 64% of the population under study consumed less-than-recommended vegetables and fruits respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of education (P<0.001) and marital status (P<0.001) and the recommended amount of vegetable consumption. There was also a significant relationship between being an urban or rural dweller (P<0.002) and education (P<0.001) and the amount of fruit consumption. No statistically significant difference was observed between gender and the amount of vegetable and fruit consumption. The major causes of low vegetable and fruit consumption were ignorance, financial burdens and oral and dental problems.

Conclusion: The consumption of fruits and vegetables was very low among the participants. Considering the role of the adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in elderly health, planning and nutrition interventions are needed in this age group.