Abstract
Data concerning the association between free sugar intake and nutrient intake in children in the Middle East are not available. This study aimed to explore the association between the consumption of free sugar and nutrient intake among Saudi children. A cross-sectional study included 424 Saudi children ages between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers. An online survey collected sociodemographic data from mothers. Trained data collector personal contacted mothers to arrange for a phone interview in order to collect 24-h dietary recall to assess the dietary intake of children. Only 0.90% of children consumed free sugar within the recent recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) of <5% of total energy intake, whereas 10.6% of children consumed free sugar <10% of total energy intake. The percentage of free sugar intake was negatively associated with total energy intake. Multiple linear regression analysis of free sugar consumption and nutrient intake adjusted for children's age and sex indicated that a higher percentage of free sugar intake significantly predicted lower intake of saturated fat, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Excessive intake of free sugar predicted a lower intake of many essential nutrients. Interventions that aim to reduce the intake of free sugar are urgently needed in order to improve diet of growing children. Future research to explore top food sources of free sugar is needed to establish effective interventions that aim to limit free sugar intake among children.
Highlights
Excessive consumption of free sugar has been reported among children in a number of settings
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Saudi Ministry of Health recommended a maximum intake of free sugar of 25 g/day for children, independent of total energy intake [18, 19], whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a maximum intake of
The WHO recommendation of
Summary
Excessive consumption of free sugar has been reported among children in a number of settings. The average intake of free sugar among children in the United States is 16% of total energy intake [3]. In the Middle East generally and Saudi Arabia data concerning free sugar consumption among children are lacking. High consumption of free sugar is expected, given that multiple studies indicated high consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by Saudi children [4, 5]. Despite the recommendation made by the World Health Organization (WHO), which highlights the need to monitor and limit the consumption of free sugar among all populations [6, 7], data concerning free sugar intake are still unavailable in many settings
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