scholarly journals The sugar content of foods in the UK by category and company: A repeated cross-sectional study, 2015-2018

PLoS Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. e1003647
Author(s):  
Lauren K. Bandy ◽  
Peter Scarborough ◽  
Richard A. Harrington ◽  
Mike Rayner ◽  
Susan A. Jebb
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Content ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Sales Data ◽  
Food Market ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Product Sales

Background Consumption of free sugars in the UK greatly exceeds dietary recommendations. Public Health England (PHE) has set voluntary targets for industry to reduce the sales-weighted mean sugar content of key food categories contributing to sugar intake by 5% by 2018 and 20% by 2020. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the sales-weighted mean sugar content and total volume sales of sugar in selected food categories among UK companies between 2015 and 2018. Methods and findings We used sales data from Euromonitor, which estimates total annual retail sales of packaged foods, for 5 categories—biscuits and cereal bars, breakfast cereals, chocolate confectionery, sugar confectionery, and yoghurts—for 4 consecutive years (2015–2018). This analysis includes 353 brands (groups of products with the same name) sold by 99 different companies. These data were linked with nutrient composition data collected online from supermarket websites over 2015–2018 by Edge by Ascential. The main outcome measures were sales volume, sales-weighted mean sugar content, and total volume of sugar sold by category and company. Our results show that between 2015 and 2018 the sales-weighted mean sugar content of all included foods fell by 5.2% (95% CI −9.4%, −1.4%), from 28.7 g/100 g (95% CI 27.2, 30.4) to 27.2 g/100 g (95% CI 25.8, 28.4). The greatest change seen was in yoghurts (−17.0% [95% CI −26.8%, −7.1%]) and breakfast cereals (−13.3% [95% CI −19.2%, −7.4%]), with only small reductions in sugar confectionery (−2.4% [95% CI −4.2%, −0.6%]) and chocolate confectionery (−1.0% [95% CI −3.1, 1.2]). Our results show that total volume of sugars sold per capita fell from 21.4 g/d (95% CI 20.3, 22.7) to 19.7 g/d (95% CI 18.8, 20.7), a reduction of 7.5% (95% CI −13.1%, −2.8%). Of the 50 companies representing the top 10 companies in each category, 24 met the 5% reduction target set by PHE for 2018. The key limitations of this study are that it does not encompass the whole food market and is limited by its use of brand-level sales data, rather than individual product sales data. Conclusions Our findings show there has been a small reduction in total volume sales of sugar in the included categories, primarily due to reductions in the sugar content of yoghurts and breakfast cereals. Additional policy measures may be needed to accelerate progress in categories such as sugar confectionery and chocolate confectionery if the 2020 PHE voluntary sugar reduction targets are to be met.

scholarly journals Evaluating the ≤10:1 wholegrain criterion in identifying nutrient quality and health implications of UK breads and breakfast cereals

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1186-1193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bahar Ghodsian ◽  
Angela M Madden
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Breakfast Cereal ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrient Quality ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Uk

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the nutrient quality of breads and breakfast cereals identified using the wholegrain definition of ≤10:1 carbohydrate:fibre ratio.DesignFollowing a cross-sectional study design, nutritional information was systematically gathered from food labels of breads and breakfast cereals that met the ≤10:1 carbohydrate:fibre criterion. The median nutrient content was compared with the UK Food Standards Agency’s nutrient profiling standards and the associations between carbohydrate:fibre ratio and other nutrients were analysed. Subgroup analyses were undertaken for products with and without fruit, nuts and/or seeds.SettingProducts from four major supermarket stores in the UK.SubjectsBreads (n 162) and breakfast cereals (n 266).ResultsBreads which met the ≤10:1 criterion typically contained medium fat, low saturated fat, low sugar and medium Na. Breakfast cereals typically contained medium fat, low saturated fat, high sugar and low Na. In both groups, as the carbohydrate:fibre ratio decreased, fat content increased (bread: P=0·029, r=−0·171; breakfast cereal: P=0·033, r=−0·131) and, in breakfast cereals, as the ratio increased, sugar content increased (P<0·0005, r=0·381). Breakfast cereals with fruit, nuts and/or seeds contained, per 100 g, more energy (P=0·002), fat, saturated fat and sugar (all P<0·0005), while seeded breads had more energy, fat and saturated fat (all P<0·0005).ConclusionsOverall, breads and breakfast cereals meeting the ≤10:1 criterion have good nutritional quality, suggesting that the criterion could be useful in public health and/or food labelling. The utility of applying the ≤10:1 criterion to products containing fruit, nuts and/or seeds is less clear and requires further research.

The nutritional content of children’s breakfast cereals: a cross-sectional analysis of New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Canada and the USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 1589-1598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Chepulis ◽  
Nadine Everson ◽  
Rhoda Ndanuko ◽  
Gael Mearns
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Total Sugar ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Breakfast Cereals ◽  
Label Information ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Serving Size

AbstractObjective:To compare the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) content, serving size and package size of children’s ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (RTEC) available in five different Western countries.Design:NIP label information was collected from RTEC available for purchase in major supermarket chains. Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U and χ2 tests were applied to detect differences between countries on manufacturer-declared serving size, total energy (kJ), total protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, total sugar, Na and fibre content. The Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) was used to evaluate the number of products deemed to be ‘unhealthy’.Setting:Supermarkets in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.Participants:Children’s breakfast cereals (n 636), including those with and without promotional characters.Results:The majority of children’s RTEC contained substantial levels of total sugar and differences were apparent between countries. Median sugar content per serving was higher in US cereals than all other countries (10·0 v. 7·7–9·1 g; P < 0·0001). Median fat and saturated fat content were lowest in Australia and New Zealand RTEC, while the Na content of RTEC was 60–120 % higher in the USA and Canada than in Australia and the UK (all P ≤ 0·01).Conclusions:Across all countries, there was a high proportion of RTEC marketed for children that had an unhealthy nutrient profile. Strategies and policies are needed to improve the nutrient value of RTEC for children, so they provide a breakfast food that meets nutrition guidelines.

scholarly journals Changes in the UK baby food market surveyed in 2013 and 2019: the rise of baby snacks and sweet/savoury foods

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (12) ◽  
pp. 1162-1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Lizbeth Garcia ◽  
Louise Curtin ◽  
José David Ronquillo ◽  
Alison Parrett ◽  
Charlotte Margaret Wright
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Content ◽  
Baby Food ◽  
Infant Food ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Food Market ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Age Range

ObjectiveTo assess how the baby food market in the UK has changed between 2013 and 2019.SettingUnited Kingdom.DesignA cross-sectional survey of all infant food products available to buy in the UK online and in-store collected in 2019. Nutritional content and product descriptions were recorded and compared with an existing 2013 database.Main outcome measuresChange in the proportion of products marketed to infants aged 4 months, proportion classified as sweet versus savoury, spoonable versus dry (snacks) average sugar content.ResultsFewer products were described as suitable for infants aged 4 months in 2019 (201, 23%) compared with 2013 (178, 43%; p<0.001), while the proportion for children in the 6–7-month age range increased (2013: 135, 33%; 2019: 369, 43%; p=0.001). The proportion of sweet and savoury products was unchanged; sweet spoonable products showed a small but significant decrease in sugar content (6%) between 2013 and 2019, but savoury spoonable products showed a 16% increase. Sweet snacks remained very sweet (~20 g/100 g median sugar at both time points). In the 2019 dataset, concentrated juice was added to 29% (n=253) of products and 18% (n=80) ‘savoury’ products comprised more than 50% sweet vegetables or fruit. The number and proportion of snacks increased markedly in 2019 (185, 21%) compared with 2013 (42, 10%; p=0.001) while the proportion of wet spoonable foods decreased (2013: 326, 79%; 2019: 611, 71%; p=0.001).ConclusionsFewer foods are now marketed to infants aged 4 months, but there has been no overall reduction in the sweetness of products and the increase in snack foods and the sweetness of savoury foods is a concern.

scholarly journals Sugar Content and Nutritional Quality of Child Orientated Ready to Eat Cereals and Yoghurts in the UK and Latin America; Does Food Policy Matter?

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada L. Garcia ◽  
José D. Ronquillo ◽  
Gabriela Morillo-Santander ◽  
Claudia V. Mazariegos ◽  
Lorena Lopez-Donado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sugar Reduction ◽  
The Uk

Ready to eat breakfast cereals (REBCs) and yoghurts provide important nutrients to children’s diets, but concerns about their high sugar content exist. Food reformulation could contribute to sugar reduction, but policies across countries are not uniform. We aimed to compare the sugar content and nutritional quality of child-orientated REBCs and yoghurts in Latin American countries with the UK. In a cross-sectional study, nutritional information, marketing strategies, and claims were collected from the food labels and packaging of products available in Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador and the UK. Nutritional quality was assessed using the UK Ofcom Nutrient Profiling System. In total, 262 products were analysed (59% REBCs/41% yoghurts). REBCs in the UK had a lower sugar content (mean ± SD) (24.6 ± 6.4) than products in Ecuador (34.6 ± 10.8; p < 0.001), Mexico (32.6 ± 7.6; p = 0.001) and Guatemala (31.5 ± 8.3; p = 0.001). Across countries, there were no differences in the sugar content of yoghurts. A large proportion (83%) of REBCs and 33% of yoghurts were classified as “less healthy”. In conclusion, the sugar content of REBCs in Latin America is higher than those of the UK, which could be attributed to the UK voluntary sugar reduction programme. Sugar reformulation policies are required in Guatemala, Mexico and Ecuador.

scholarly journals Assessment of Inorganic Phosphate Intake by the Measurement of the Phosphate/Urea Nitrogen Ratio in Urine

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 292
Author(s):  
María Victoria Pendón-Ruiz de Mier ◽  
Noemí Vergara ◽  
Cristian Rodelo-Haad ◽  
María Dolores López-Zamorano ◽  
Cristina Membrives-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inorganic Phosphate ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Serum ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urea Nitrogen ◽  
Inorganic P ◽  
Nitrogen Ratio

In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, it would be desirable to reduce the intake of inorganic phosphate (P) rather than limit the intake of P contained in proteins. Urinary excretion of P should reflect intestinal absorption of P(inorganic plus protein-derived). The aim of the present study is to determine whether the ratio of urinary P to urinary urea nitrogen (P/UUN ratio) helps identify patients with a high intake of inorganic P.A cross-sectional study was performed in 71 patients affected by metabolic syndrome with CKD (stages 2–3) with normal serum P concentration. A 3-day dietary survey was performed to estimate the average daily amount and the source of P ingested. The daily intake of P was 1086.5 ± 361.3 mg/day; 64% contained in animal proteins, 22% in vegetable proteins, and 14% as inorganic P. The total amount of P ingested did not correlate with daily phosphaturia, but it did correlate with the P/UUN ratio (p < 0.018). Patients with the highest tertile of the P/UUN ratio >71.1 mg/g presented more abundant inorganic P intake (p < 0.038).The P/UUN ratio is suggested to be a marker of inorganic P intake. This finding might be useful in clinical practices to identify the source of dietary P and to make personalized dietary recommendations directed to reduce inorganic P intake.

Lifestyle modification adherence among patients attending diabetes clinics in selected hospitals in Remo zone Ogun State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-32
Author(s):  
Adebayo Akadri ◽  
Omobolanle Akadri
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Exercise Adherence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence To Diet ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Diet And Exercise

Objective: Lifestyle modification is an essential component of self-management of diabetes mellitus. This study assessed adherence to diet and exercise recommendations and elucidated the factors that influence adherence in patients living with diabetes. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 300 patients attending diabetes clinics in some selected hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristics, and PRECEDE factors of lifestyle-modification adherence in the study participants. Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square test were used to assess the association between the variables, while binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of adherence to dietary recommendations. Results: The mean age of the study respondents was 62.7 years. The proportion of respondents who adhered to dietary and exercise recommendations were 87.8% and 45.6% respectively. There were no statistically significant linear relationships between scores for each PRECEDE factor and scores for adherence to diet and exercise. Respondents’ age, body mass index, and duration of illness had a statistically significant association with adherence to diet (P< 0.001, P=0.021, and P=0.041 respectively). On logistic regression analysis, participants 60 years and older had a higher likelihood of adhering to dietary modification than younger participants [AOR=2.6, P < 0.001]. Conclusion: The adherence of patients living with diabetes to dietary recommendations was satisfactory while adherence to exercise recommendations was very poor. There is a need for health care workers, especially at the primary and secondary levels to implement strategies that will enhance reinforcing and enabling factors for exercise adherence.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of Experiences and Attitudes towards Clinical Audit of Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Katie Waine ◽  
Rachel S. Dean ◽  
Chris Hudson ◽  
Jonathan Huxley ◽  
Marnie L. Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Audit ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Farm Animal ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protected Time ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
The Uk

Clinical audit is a quality improvement tool used to assess and improve the clinical services provided to patients. This is the first study to investigate the extent to which clinical audit is understood and utilised in farm animal veterinary practice. A cross-sectional study to collect experiences and attitudes of farm animal veterinary surgeons in the UK towards clinical audit was conducted using an online nationwide survey. The survey revealed that whilst just under three-quarters (n = 237/325; 73%) of responding veterinary surgeons had heard of clinical audit, nearly 50% (n = 148/301) had never been involved in a clinical audit of any species. The participants’ knowledge of what a clinical audit was varied substantially, with many respondents reporting not receiving training on clinical audit at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Respondents that had participated in a clinical audit suggested that protected time away from clinical work was required for the process to be completed successfully. This novel study suggests that clinical audit is undertaken to some extent in farm animal practice and that practitioner perception is that it can bring benefits, but was felt that more resources and support were needed for it to be implemented successfully on a wider scale.

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