Abstract
BackgroundThe lack of comprehensive food composition databases for sugar contents in Japanese foods has led to the lack of nutritional epidemiologic studies on sugar intake in Japanese population. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of free sugar intake estimated using a newly developed food composition database with the characteristics and lifestyles of Japanese children aged 3–6 years.MethodsThe food composition database contained information on sugars in 2,222 commonly consumed Japanese foods. Using this database, we estimated the sugar (total, added, and free sugars) intakes derived from a 3-day weighed dietary record of 166 boys and 166 girls aged 3–6 years living in 24 prefectures in Japan.ResultsThe mean free sugar intake was 26.8 g/d (standard deviation [SD], 12.3 g/d), while the mean value for energy intake was 7.8% (SD, 3.2%). The prevalence of excessive free sugar intake (≥10% of energy intake) was 21.7%. Among the characteristics and lifestyles examined, screen time was most strongly associated with the prevalence of excessive free sugar intake: multivariate adjusted odds ratios for screen time <0.5, ≥0.5 to <1, and ≥1 h/d were 1.0 (reference), 3.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–13.98), and 4.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.16–16.35), respectively. Additionally, younger age, shorter sleep, and mothers with office work and service and sales jobs (compared with those with professional and managerial jobs) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of excessive free sugar intake.ConclusionsThis study showed the sugar intake of Japanese children aged 3–6 years is positively associated with screen time.
Highlights
Dietary habits during the early stages of life are associated with dietary intake[1] and cardiovascular disease risk[2] in the later stages of life
The World Health Organization (WHO) provided recommendations on the intake of free sugar, including added sugar and sugars naturally occurring in fruit juices.[14]
Recommendations and regulations for sugar intake for children and adults were not advocated.[21] as there was no available database for sugar contents of food items in Japan
Summary
Dietary habits during the early stages of life are associated with dietary intake[1] and cardiovascular disease risk[2] in the later stages of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided recommendations on the intake of free sugar, including added sugar and sugars naturally occurring in fruit juices.[14] Data related to the correlation of excessive sugar intake is needed to develop an effective intervention for the reduction of sugar intake.[15] only a few nutritional epidemiologic studies on sugar intake have been performed in Japan.[16,17,18,19,20] recommendations and regulations for sugar intake for children and adults were not advocated.[21] as there was no available database for sugar contents of food items in Japan. The lack of comprehensive food composition databases for sugar contents in Japanese foods has led to the lack of nutritional epidemiologic studies on sugar intake in Japanese population. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of free sugar intake estimated using a newly developed food composition database with the characteristics and lifestyles of Japanese children aged 3–6 years
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