scholarly journals How achievable are free sugar recommendations in healthy dietary patterns for 1–5 year olds in Ireland?

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.F. Quinn ◽  
R.J. Creane ◽  
C.B. O'Donovan ◽  
S. O'Mahony ◽  
N.A. Collins ◽  
...  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly recommends reducing free sugar intake to < 10% energy, and suggests a further conditional reduction to < 5% energy. This study aims to assess how achievable these free sugar intake recommendations are in healthy diets of 1–5 year olds in Ireland and to identify the main food contributors.Using minimal added sugar, fat and no added salt, four-day food intake patterns were developed for 1–5 year old children (n30 girls; n30 boys) representing different percentile levels on the WHO growth charts. These food intake patterns were based on foods commonly consumed in the Irish National Pre-school Nutrition Survey and adjusted to meet energy, macronutrient and micronutrient requirements. The free sugar content of each food used was identified according to the WHO definition and estimated using food composition tables. Free sugar content of the four-day patterns was assessed against the two WHO recommendations. Subjects were compared depending on recommendations achieved. Where necessary, nutrients were estimated per 500kcal to control for energy.Food intake patterns of all subjects (n60) achieved the WHO recommendation of < 10% energy, with 50% (n30) meeting the further recommendation of < 5% energy. Subjects with free sugar intakes < 5% energy compared with those not meeting this recommendation, were younger (2 years vs. 3.5 years, p < 0.001), had lower energy intakes (946kcal vs. 1263.8kcal, p < 0.001), higher fat intakes (37% vs. 29%, p < 0.001), higher saturated fat intakes (18% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) and lower carbohydrate intakes (46% vs. 53%, p < 0.001). When estimated per 500kcal they had lower intakes of fibre (5.0 g vs. 6.2 g, p < 0.001) and vitamin D (5.9μg vs. 6.3μg, p < 0.001) and higher intakes of vitamin A (177.3μg vs. 108.5μg, p < 0.001) and DHA and EPA (0.3 g vs. 0.2 g, p < 0.001). The main foods contributing to free sugar intakes in these subjects were cereals (29% of free sugar intake), yoghurts (27%), breads (5%) and ice cream (4%). By comparison the main foods contributing to free sugar in subjects whose intakes exceeded 5% energy included yoghurts (22%), stewed apples (9%) and puddings (6%).This analysis demonstrates the WHO strong recommendation of < 10% energy for free sugar was easily achievable, but the further conditional recommendation (< 5%) was more difficult. This was only achieved at younger ages and was associated with increased intakes of fat and saturated fat and lower intakes of fibre and vitamin D. The main food contributors to free sugar in healthy diets for 1–5 year olds are important sources of nutrients.

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélie Bergeron ◽  
Marie-Ève Labonté ◽  
Didier Brassard ◽  
Alexandra Bédard ◽  
Catherine Laramée ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to characterize the intakes of different types of sugars in an age- and sex-representative sample of French-speaking adults from five regions of the Province of Québec, Canada, enrolled in the cross-sectional PREDISE (PRÉDicteurs Individuels, Sociaux et Environnementaux) study (n = 1147, 18–65 years old; 50.2% women). Because only total sugar content of foods and beverages is available in the Canadian Nutrient File (CNF) 2015, the initial step of this study was thus to build a database of free and naturally occurring sugars content of each food item and recipe included in the R24W, which is an automated, self-administered, web-based, 24-h dietary recall validated to estimate nutrient intakes in French-speaking adults of the Province of Québec. Total sugars were manually differentiated into free and naturally occurring sugars using a systematic algorithm based on previously published systematic algorithms. The World Health Organization (WHO)’s free sugar definition was used to differentiate total sugars into free and naturally occurring sugars. Dietary intake estimates were assessed using three 24-h dietary recalls completed with the R24W. Mean total, free, and naturally occurring sugar intakes were 116.4 g (19.3% of daily energy intake (%E)), 72.5 g (11.7%E), and 44.0 g (7.5%E), respectively. Over half (57.3%) of the overall sample did not meet the WHO’s recommendation to consume less than 10%E from free sugars. Women had a higher %E from naturally occurring sugars than men and being younger was associated with a greater %E from free sugars. Sugar intakes among French-speaking adults from the Province of Québec were mainly in the form of free sugars, with the majority of the population exceeding the WHO recommendation regarding free sugar intake. This suggests that public health efforts towards reducing free sugar intake in this population are relevant and necessary, considering that overconsumption of free sugars negatively influences health outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Zupanic ◽  
Igor Pravst

AbstractIn 2015, World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines to reduce the consumption of free sugars to no more than 10% of the total daily energy intake, with additional health benefits achieved when aiming to less than 5%. For the general population, following these recommendations has proven difficult due to the massive amount of free sugar available in pre-packed products on the market. In Slovenia, a series of actions have been undertaken to reduce the availability and consumption of foods high in free sugar, including food industry responsibility pledges from soft drink and dairy industry (in 2015 and 2017, respectively).To monitor the efficacy of those actions as well as general trends in free sugar content on the Slovenian food market, the cross-sectional study from 2015 was repeated in 2017. Data from 21,115 pre-packed food items were systematically collected from major retailer shops in Ljubljana, Slovenia. All products were photographed and their European/International Article (EAN) codes scanned to assemble an online database. The products were later assigned to one of the 49 pre-defined food categories, matching those from 2015. The categories that contributed to free sugar consumption in 2015 the most were re-analysed in 2017.Results showed that in the category of Chocolate and sweets, which in 2015 contributed one third of all free sugar sold on Slovenian market, mean free sugar content increased by 4.7 %. Among Soft drinks, which followed shortly after, free sugar content dropped by 8 %. The decrease was also observed among Jellies (10.7 %) Yogurt products (5.7 %), Breakfast cereals (1.7 %), Biscuits (0.9 %), as well as Fruit and vegetable juices (0.9 %). On the other hand, large increase was observed among Ice creams and edible ices (31.3 %) and in the category of Jam and spreads, in which mean free sugar content increased by 20.3 %.The data showed some favourable trends in free sugar content in many food categories that contribute an important share to an overall free sugar consumption. However, free sugar in certain food categories such as Chocolate and sweets is still on the rise, exposing the need for additional actions that would encourage industry to reformulate products with a lesser amount of free sugar. Moreover, industry self-regulation may be one of, but not the only measure to efficiently reduce free sugar consumption among general population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Costa de Miranda ◽  
F Rauber ◽  
M Moraes ◽  
S Rodrigues ◽  
R Bertazzi Levy

Abstract Background Ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption has been widely associated with low diet quality. We aim to investigate its energy contribution and influence on prevalence of nutrient inadequacy in Portugal. Methods Cross-sectional representative study involving 3102 adults and 750 elderly enrolled in the 2015-2016 National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Dietary intake was assessed by two non-consecutive 24h recalls. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system. Total energy intake and energy contribution provided by UPF group were determined. Inadequate intake was evaluated across quintiles (Q) of UPF consumption by adjusted Poisson regressions. We adjusted the usual intake estimate by Multiple Source Method and considered the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Results UPF contributed with 24% and 16% of daily energy intake in adults (1904 kcal/day) and elderly (1603 kcal/day), respectively. In both age groups, practically all individuals had inadequate intake of sodium, while about a half or more of population had inadequate intake of fibre and potassium. As the dietary share of UPF increased, the prevalence of inadequacy of free sugars (PR = 1.53 for adults and 1.56 for elderly) and saturated fat (PR = 1.18 and 1.15, respectively) increased significantly. In adults, this same trend was also seen for fibre (PR = 1.03) and potassium (PR = 1.12). Particularly relevant was the increase in prevalence of inadequacy of free sugar from 10.5% (Q1) to 67.6% (Q5) in adults and 5.8% (Q1) to 41.8% (Q5) in elderly. Prevalence of inadequacy of saturated fat raised from 27.3% (Q1) to 68.9% (Q5) in adults and 29.4% (Q1) to 46.8% (Q5) in elderly. Conclusions Effective strategies are needed to reduce UPF consumption among Portuguese adults and elderly in order to prevent them from diet-related non-communicable diseases. Funding FAPESP 2018/07391-9, 2019/05972-7 (MCR), 2016/14302-7 (FR); POCI-01-0145-FEDER-032090. Key messages Ultra-processed food contributes with 24% and 16% of daily energy intake in Portuguese adults and elderly. As the ultra-processed food consumption increases, the prevalence of inadequacy of free sugars and saturated fat increases for both, while inadequacy of fiber and potassium also increases for adults.


Author(s):  
Akshatha Shetty

Abstract Background Foodborne diseases non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the main reason of death, accounting for 38 million (68%) of the 56 million premature deaths worldwide in 2012. Lower-middle and middle-income countries accounted for nearly three-quarters of all NCD fatalities (28 million), as well as the bulk of illness and premature death (82%). An excessive consumption of added sugar is source of worry for its link to unhealthy nutrition quality, overweight, and the risk of NCDs among adolescents. A further source of worry is the link among free sugar consumption and tooth cavities in young adults. Dental infections are the most common NCDs worldwide in young adults, and despite significant advances in management and cure in recent decades, issues remain, resulting in pain, anxiety, functional limitations (which include failing school grades and attendance in children), and social severe disability due to missing teeth. Objectives The purpose of this report is to give suggestions on how to consume added sugar in order to mitigate the possibility of NCDs in children and young adults, with an emphasis on the care and mitigation of obesity and metabolic syndrome and tooth decay among young adults. Methods and materials The Keywords like adolescent, Health, Dental Caries, Obesity, Sugar Intake, Recommendation have been used to evaluate the standard of evidence discovered via current systematic reviews of the scientific literature relating to significance of sugar intake consumption and its effect in young adults. Results The relevant data from prospective studies was judged to be of good quality, but data from nationwide population-based studies was judged to be of extremely low quality. Free sweeteners should be used in moderation during one’s life, according to the World Health Organization (strong recommendation 1). WHO advises limiting natural sugar consumption to very little about 10% of total calorie intake among both grownups and children 2 (strong recommendation). Conclusions There is a significant association of prevalence of tooth decay, obesity due to sugar consumption at an alarming rate hence regulators as well as curriculum developers can utilize the recommendation reviewed by us to compare current free sugar intake levels in their nations to a benchmark. They may also be used to design ways to reduce free sugar consumption through a wide variety of social health initiatives, if required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walaa Abdullah Mumena

Data concerning the association between free sugar intake and nutrient intake in children in the Middle East are not available. This study aimed to explore the association between the consumption of free sugar and nutrient intake among Saudi children. A cross-sectional study included 424 Saudi children ages between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers. An online survey collected sociodemographic data from mothers. Trained data collector personal contacted mothers to arrange for a phone interview in order to collect 24-h dietary recall to assess the dietary intake of children. Only 0.90% of children consumed free sugar within the recent recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) of &lt;5% of total energy intake, whereas 10.6% of children consumed free sugar &lt;10% of total energy intake. The percentage of free sugar intake was negatively associated with total energy intake. Multiple linear regression analysis of free sugar consumption and nutrient intake adjusted for children's age and sex indicated that a higher percentage of free sugar intake significantly predicted lower intake of saturated fat, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Excessive intake of free sugar predicted a lower intake of many essential nutrients. Interventions that aim to reduce the intake of free sugar are urgently needed in order to improve diet of growing children. Future research to explore top food sources of free sugar is needed to establish effective interventions that aim to limit free sugar intake among children.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e022048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizi Lin ◽  
Chenxiong Li ◽  
Chuyao Jin ◽  
Yuanzhou Peng ◽  
Kawther M Hashem ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe consumption of carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages (CSSBs) is associated with a range of health problems, but little is known about the sugar and energy content of CSSBs in China. The study aimed to investigate the sugar and energy content of CSSBs in Beijing, China.Study designWe carried out a cross-sectional survey in 15 different supermarkets from July to October 2017 in Haidian District, Beijing.MethodsThe product packaging and nutrient labels of CSSBs were recorded by a snapshot in time to obtain company name, product name, serving size, and nutrient content, that is, carbohydrate, sugar and energy. For CSSB labels not showing sugar content, we used carbohydrate content as substitute. The sugar and energy content of CSSBs within each type of flavour were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test. The sugar content within the recommended levels was described using frequency. We also compared the sugar and energy content of top 5 CSSBs in terms of sales among three countries (China, UK and USA).ResultsA total of 93 CSSB products were found. The median sugar content was 9.3 (IQR: 5.7–11.2) g/100 mL, and the energy content was 38 (IQR: 23–46) kcal/100 mL. There were 79 products labelled ‘Red’ (high) per serving based on the criteria set in the UK (>11.25 g/100 mL). We found 62.4% of CSSBs had sugar content per serving that exceeds the daily free sugar intake for adults (25 g) recommended by the WHO. Some of the branded products sold in China had higher sugar content when they were compared with those in Western countries.ConclusionsCSSBs in Beijing, China have high sugar and energy content. Reduction in sugar content and serving size of CSSBs and taxation policy on beverages will be beneficial in reducing sugar intake in China.


Author(s):  
Qiong Tang ◽  
Qian Lin ◽  
Qiping Yang ◽  
Minghui Sun ◽  
Hanmei Liu ◽  
...  

Physiological problems caused by excessive intake of free sugar have been concerning important public health issues, especially the impact on adolescents. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends controlling daily sugar intake in order to reduce the stress caused by high sugar uptake. Finding out the factors that affect adolescents’ sugar intake will help further interventions to control the intake of sugar. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 10 middle schools in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. Two classes of the first and second grades were randomly selected from each school, and their parents in these classes participated in the survey. Questionnaires were used to access the status of adolescent parents’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards free sugar. Out of 1136 valid participants, 70.4% of respondents were female with the mean (Standard Deviation) age of 41.76 (±5.27) years. They had a good attitude but relatively poor knowledge and behavior towards free sugar. Binary logistic regression analysis found that parents whose gender is female, with a high education level and a girl as their child, hold a high level of free sugar recognition. These findings could help free sugar control interventions for adolescents in the future.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeline Chatelan ◽  
Pierre Gaillard ◽  
Maaike Kruseman ◽  
Amelie Keller

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake (TEI) due to their potential implications in weight gain and dental caries. Our objectives were to (1) estimate the intake of total, added, and free sugars, (2) define the main sugar sources, and (3) evaluate the adherence to sugar guidelines. The first national nutrition survey 2014–2015 included non-institutional adults aged 18–75 years. Diet was assessed with two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls in 2057 participants. Added and free sugar content was systematically estimated by two dietitians using available information from the manufacturer and/or standard recipe/composition. Usual daily intake distributions were modeled and weighted for sampling design, non-response, weekdays, and seasons. Total, added, and free sugar intake was respectively 107 g (±44), 53 g (±36), and 65 g (±40), representing 19%, 9%, and 11% of TEI. Sugar consumption was higher among younger adults and lower among people living in the Italian-speaking region. The three main food sources of free sugars were: (1) sweet products (47% of total free sugars), in particular sweet spreads (15%) and cakes/cookies (11%); (2) beverages (29%), mainly fruit and vegetable juices (13%), and sugar-sweetened beverages (12%, but 20% in younger adults); and (3) dairy products (9%), with yogurt accounting for 6%. Respectively, 44% of women and 45% of men had free sugar intake below 10% of TEI. Of people aged between 18–29, 30–64, and 65–75 years, 36%, 45%, and 53% had free sugar intake below 10% of TEI, respectively. The prevalence of Swiss people with free sugar intake that was <5% of the TEI was 8%. Adherence to the WHO recommendations guidelines was generally low in Switzerland, particularly among young adults, and in line with other high-income countries.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary AT Flynn ◽  
Clare M O'Brien ◽  
Victoria Ross ◽  
Cliona A Flynn ◽  
Sarah J Burke

AbstractObjectiveTo revise the food-based dietary guidelines for Ireland and assess the affordability of healthy eating.DesignAn iterative process was used to develop 4 d food intake patterns (n 22) until average intakes met a range of nutrient and energy goals (at moderate and sedentary activity levels) that represented the variable nutritional requirements of all in the population aged 5 years and older. Dietary guidelines were formulated describing the amounts and types of foods that made up these intake patterns. Foods required for healthy eating by typical households in Ireland were priced and affordability assessed as a proportion of relevant weekly social welfare allowances.SettingGovernment agency/community.SubjectsGeneral population aged 5+ years.ResultsFood patterns developed achieved energy and nutrient goals with the exception of dietary fibre (inadequate for adults with energy requirements <9·2 MJ) and vitamin D (inadequate for everyone). A new food group to guide on fats/oils intake was developed. Servings within the Bread, Cereal and Potato group were sub-categorized on the basis of energy content. Recommendations on numbers of servings from each food group were developed to guide on energy and nutrient requirements. Healthy eating is least affordable for families with children who are dependent on social welfare.ConclusionDaily supplementation with vitamin D is recommended. Wholemeal breads and cereals are recommended as the best source of energy and fibre. Low-fat dairy products and reduced-fat unsaturated spreads are prioritized to achieve saturated fat and energy goals. Interventions are required to ensure that healthy eating is affordable.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Kibblewhite ◽  
A Nettleton ◽  
R McLean ◽  
J Haszard ◽  
E Fleming ◽  
...  

© 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. The reduction of free or added sugar intake (sugars added to food and drinks as a sweetener) is almost universally recommended to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases and dental caries. The World Health Organisation recommends intakes of free sugars of less than 10% of energy intake. However, estimating and monitoring intakes at the population level is challenging because free sugars cannot be analytically distinguished from naturally occurring sugars and most national food composition databases do not include data on free or added sugars. We developed free and added sugar estimates for the New Zealand (NZ) food composition database (FOODfiles 2010) by adapting a method developed for Australia. We reanalyzed the 24 h recall dietary data collected for 4721 adults aged 15 years and over participating in the nationally representative 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey to estimate free and added sugar intakes. The median estimated intake of free and added sugars was 57 and 49 g/day respectively and 42% of adults consumed less than 10% of their energy intake from free sugars. This approach provides more direct estimates of the free and added sugar contents of New Zealand foods than previously available and will enable monitoring of adherence to free sugar intake guidelines in future.


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