A study of dietary intake of total sugars by elementary students in Jeju province

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate total sugar intake and sugar intake-related dietary habit and nutrient intake of elementary school students. Methods: Subjects included 701 elementary school students (351 boys and 350 girls) residing in Jeju. The research analyzed a sample and was carried out using the 24 hour recall method and one day consumption of total sugar. Results: The average daily total sugar intake was 55.3 g (male 53.1 g, female 57.6 g). Total sugar intake per meal was 6.3 g (11.4%) from breakfast, 6.9 g (12.5%) from lunch, and 7.2 g (13.0%) from dinner, 34.9 g (63.1%). Major food groups of total sugar were milks (17.04 g), grains and their products (12.79 g), fruits and their products (9.40 g), and sugars and sweets (7.30 g). In analysis of the amount of total sugar consumption from several recipes, much was taken in from dessert and snacks such as dairy products (15.08 g), bread and snacks (6.4 g), beverages (5.5 g), fruits (5.1 g), and ice cakes (4.8 g). Total sugar consumption was high for rices and side dishes such as noodles (5.1 g), stir-fried foods (2.3 g), fried foods (1.4 g), cooked rice with seasoning (1.4 g), and hard-boiled foods (1.1 g). In comparison of total sugar consumption for sugar sources, daily intake of natural sugar, added sugar, and natural and added sugar were 25.8 g, 23.3 g, and 6.2 g, respectively. High sugar intake group, which was over 20% of the energy from total sugar intakes, consumed significantly less Fe, Zn, and niacin than the low sugar intake group, which was below 20%. Conclusion: Total sugar intake of fifth graders of elementary schools on Jeju Island was 55.4 g/day, and it was usually intake from snacks. Therefore, elementary school students need nutritional education for proper selection of better snacks and for reduction of dietary sugar intake.