Abstract
Low-calorie beverages (LCBs) are promoted as healthy alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); however, their effects on diet quality and cardiometabolic profile are debatable. This study aimed to verify the association between LCB consumption, diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors in British adults. Data analysis from 5521 subjects aged 16 and older who participated in two waves of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008–2012 and 2013–2014) was carried out. Compared with SSB consumption, LCB consumption was associated with lower energy (mean difference: −173 kcal, 95% confidence interval, CI: −212; −133) and free sugar intake (−5.6% of energy intake, 95% CI: −6.1; −5.1), while intake of other nutrients was not significantly different across groups. The % difference in sugar intake was more pronounced among the young (16–24 years) (−7.3 of energy intake, 95% CI: −8.6; −5.9). The odds of not exceeding the UK-recommended free sugar intake were remarkably higher in the LCB as compared to the SSB group (OR: 9.4, 95% CI: 6.5–13.6). No significant differences were observed in plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL or triglycerides. Our findings suggest that LCBs are associated with lower free sugar intake without affecting the intake of other macronutrients or negatively impacting cardiometabolic risk factors.
Highlights
Two-thirds of adults in the United Kingdom are either overweight or obese [1]
We included 5521 subjects who completed the four-day dietary record, of whom 17.0% were classified in the Low-calorie beverages (LCBs) group, 29% in the sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) group, 19.8% in the BB group and 34.2% in the NC
Compared with the SSB and NC group, subjects consuming LCB were more likely to be women, in the age category 25–49 years, white and obese, while there were no significant differences in terms of socioeconomic status
Summary
Two-thirds of adults in the United Kingdom are either overweight or obese [1]. Free or added sugars have been acknowledged as a readily available source of energy, which accounts for a large percentage of daily energy intake, leading to excess calories, weight gain and obesity [3]. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2015 issued sugar guidelines, recommending that adults and children restrict their added sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake per day, and suggests a further reduction to below 5% [5]. In the United Kingdom (UK), the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recommends that added sugars should account for no more than 5% daily energy intake [3]
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