A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Bonn has highlighted the risks associated with a high-sugar diet, particularly in relation to obesity and chronic illnesses. The study, which focused on sugar intake among children and adolescents, revealed a gradual decline in sugar consumption since 2010.
However, despite this positive trend, the current levels of sugar intake remain above the recommended guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research underscores the ongoing concern regarding the impact of free sugars, which include added sugars and naturally occurring sugars in juices, on long-term health.
The study analyzed data from the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) cohort study, a long-term research project that has been tracking the nutrition, metabolism, growth, and health of children and adolescents since 1985.
Participants in the DONALD study regularly documents their food and beverage intake over three consecutive days each year. This detailed record-keeping allows researchers to estimate nutrient intake, including free sugars, with considerable accuracy.
The findings revealed that while sugar consumption has been decreasing, it still exceeds the WHO and German Nutrition Society’s recommended maximum of 10% of total daily energy intake.
Specifically, the median value of free sugar intake has dropped from around 16% of daily energy intake in 2016 to 11.7% in more recent years. This decline is believed to be influenced by increased public awareness of the negative health effects associated with high sugar consumption, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages and other sugary foods.
Despite the overall decline, the study noted significant differences in sugar intake among different age groups. Adolescents, particularly those aged six to 14, were found to have a relatively high intake of free sugars, with some consuming around 15% of their daily energy from sugar. This intake level tends to decrease as children grow older, indicating a potential age-related shift in dietary habits.
The study also highlighted potential limitations, such as the likelihood of under-reporting by participants and the fact that the sample may not fully represent the broader population.
The researchers emphasize that actual sugar intake could be higher than reported, particularly in socioeconomically diverse groups. These findings support the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reduce sugar content in various food products by 2025, as part of a broader initiative to improve public health outcomes.
