Abstract
SummaryAdded sugar intake during adolescence has been associated with weight gain and cardiometabolic risk factors. Moreover, dietary habits may persist into adulthood, increasing chronic disease risk in later life. This systematic review investigated changes in intake of added sugars between the ages of 13 and 30 years.Literature databases were searched for longitudinal studies of diet during adolescence or early adulthood. Retrieved articles were screened for studies including multiple measures of intake of sugars or sugary foods from cohort participants between the ages of 13 and 30. Data were analysed using random‐effects meta‐analysis, by the three main nutrient and food group categories identified (PROSPERO: CRD42015030126).Twenty‐four papers reported longitudinal data on intake of added sugar or sucrose (n = 6), sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) (n = 20) and/or confectionery (n = 9). Meta‐analysis showed a non‐significant per year of age decrease in added sugar or sucrose intake (−0.15% total energy intake (95%CI −0.41; 0.12)), a decrease in confectionery consumption (−0.20 servings/week (95%CI −0.41; −0.001)) and a non‐significant decrease in SSB consumption (−0.15 servings/week (95%CI −0.32; 0.02)). Taken together, the overall decrease in added sugar intake observed from adolescence to early adulthood may suggest opportunities for intervention to further improve dietary choices within this age range.
Highlights
Sugar intake in childhood and adolescence, intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with weight gain in prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (1), while substitution of SSBs with other beverages has been associated with reduced body fatness (2)
Intake of added sugars is of particular concern for health (9), with the World Health Organization recommending that intake of free sugars should be less than 10% of total energy intake (10)
We focus on longitudinal observational studies reporting intake of sugar, and sugary foods and drinks, in order to answer the question: How does intake of added sugars change from age 13 to age 30 years, and what are the determinants of such changes?
Summary
Sugar intake in childhood and adolescence, intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been associated with weight gain in prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (1), while substitution of SSBs with other beverages has been associated with reduced body fatness (2). Increases in SSB consumption during adolescence have been associated with increases in body mass index (BMI) as well as overall cardiometabolic risk (3). There is concern that poor dietary habits, such as high sugar intake, developed in childhood persist into adulthood (4), increasing risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes in later life (1,5–8). Intake of added sugars is of particular concern for health (9), with the World Health Organization recommending that intake of free sugars (added sugars together with sugars naturally present in fruit juices, honey and syrups) should be less than 10% of total energy intake (10).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
