Diet quality indicators and organic food consumption in mothers of young children

Abstract

Background

The health benefits of organic food provide one reason for consuming it. Various studies have shown that regular organic food consumers (REG eco-con) follow a healthier diet. However, this topic has not been explored in Poland. This study aimed to evaluate the diet quality of mothers with children under 6 years old, residing in three provinces of Poland, who consumed organic food at varying frequencies. Data were collected using validated questionnaires.

Results

Among the mothers surveyed (N = 667), 84% achieved an average Diet Quality Index (DQI) score, indicating a neutral impact of their diet on health. Meanwhile, 15% of respondents exhibited diets with a high intensity of health-promoting characteristics. Women with a higher frequency of organic food consumption displayed more health-promoting dietary behavior. Regular organic food consumers demonstrated significantly higher DQI and Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI) scores than those with lower organic food consumption frequency. The REG eco-con mothers also reported significantly more frequent consumption of vegetables, fruit, whole-grain bread and cereals, fermented dairy products, legumes, and fish. Respondents who rated their state of health as better than that of their peers were characterized by more frequent consumption of organic food.

Conclusion

An organic diet may play a significant role in an individual's quality of life and well-being. The results of this study could be relevant for the organic food sector and policymakers in developing nutritional transformation towards sustainability. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.