Abstract
Added sugar regulations and recommendations have been proposed by policy makers around the world. With no universal definition, limited access to added sugar values in food products and no analytical difference from intrinsic sugars, added sugar recommendations present a unique challenge. Average added sugar intake by American adults is approximately 13 % of total energy intake, and recommendations have been made as low 5 % of total energy intake. In addition to public health recommendations, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed the inclusion of added sugar data to the Nutrition and Supplemental Facts Panel. The adoption of such regulations would have implications for both consumers as well as the food industry. There are certainly advantages to including added sugar data to the Nutrition Facts Panel; however, consumer research does not consistently show the addition of this information to improve consumer knowledge. With excess calorie consumption resulting in weight gain and increased risk of obesity and obesity related co-morbidities, added sugar consumption should be minimized. However, there is currently no evidence stating that added sugar is more harmful than excess calories from any other food source. The addition of restrictive added sugar recommendations may not be the most effective intervention in the treatment and prevention of obesity and other health concerns.
Highlights
Governments and health organizations worldwide have published dietary guidance for sugar intake [1]
After a period of time allowing for comments from the general public, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services will assess evidence behind the recommendation from the USDA to set the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 added sugar recommendation [8]
Excess calorie consumption can lead to weight gain and increased risk of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities [8]
Summary
Governments and health organizations worldwide have published dietary guidance for sugar intake [1]. After a period of time allowing for comments from the general public, the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services will assess evidence behind the recommendation from the USDA to set the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 added sugar recommendation [8] With this suggested restriction on added sugars, the DGAC recognizes that the logical consequence of removing added sugars from the diet and food products would be replacing the added sugars with low calorie sweeteners. Proposed addition of “Added sugar” to nutrition facts panel Currently, there is no easy way for consumers, researchers or health professionals to track added sugar consumption and assess compliance with recommendations. In March 2014, the FDA proposed changes to the Nutrition Facts Panels to assist consumers in making more educated food choices that would lead to a healthy diet consistent with Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Each of these steps will require additional time, money and an acquired skill set that smaller food companies may not have the resources to comply with
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