Fruit is a good source of nutrition

The government has spent millions of pounds giving daily free fruit or vegetables to four to six-year-olds in state schools in England.

But researchers found that while vitamin levels were initially boosted, they fell away after a few months.

The Department of Health said the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health study was based on old data.

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, which will be expanded from September to include more products, cost �42m to roll out in 2004, and another �77m over the following two years.

Average UK consumption of fruit and vegetables is three portions a day - two fewer the recommended amount.

Intake of fruit is known to be lower among children and families living in deprived areas.

Researchers examined fruit and nutrient intake for 3,700 children from 98 schools in the north of England during 2004.

Initially fruit intake was boosted by half a portion a day on average - and children had slightly increased levels of beta carotene and vitamin C.

But after seven months the benefits seemed to have disappeared.

Less at home

The researchers, led by Professor Janet Cade, of the University of Leeds, said: "There was evidence that children's intake of fruit and vegetables declined at home at the same time as it increased at school.

"Parents and carers, despite being generally supportive of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, may have supplied less fruit and vegetables at home, believing that their children were being provided with an adequate intake at school."

The Department of Health said the research was based on old information based on the impact of the scheme after just one term.

A spokesman said: "We will shortly be publishing a far more comprehensive evaluation over a longer period on time.

"We already know that the scheme has encouraged children to eat more fruit and vegetables.