Abstract
The study aimed to describe the use of table sugar and artificial sweeteners (AS) in Brazil. A representative sample (n = 32,749) of individuals aged > 10 years was examined from the Brazilian National Dietary Survey (2008–2009). Participants reported whether they use table sugar, AS, both, or none as sweeteners for their foods and beverages. Energy intake and the contribution of selected food groups to energy intake were evaluated according to the type of sweetener reported. Sample weights and design effects were considered in the analysis. The majority of the population (85.7%) used sugar to sweeten foods and beverages, 7.6% used AS, and 5.1% utilized both products. The use of AS was more frequent among the elderly (20%), women (10% versus 5.5%), overweight individuals (10% versus 6%), those who live in urban areas (8.5% versus 3%), and those who belong to the highest income quartile (14% versus 1.6%), compared with men, normal weight individuals, those who live in rural areas, and those who belong to the first income quartile, respectively. Overall, the mean daily energy intake of individuals using only sugar was approximately 16% higher than those who used AS exclusively. The contribution of staple foods to daily energy intake was higher in individuals who used sugar than those who used AS.
Highlights
The consumption of sugars and artificial sweetener (AS) and their effects on health have been widely studied [1,2]
In Brazil, the first National Dietary Survey, which was conducted in 2008–2009, indicated that on average, total sugars represented 11.4% of the total energy intake of individuals aged >10 years [6], and that 61% of the population consumed more than >10% free sugars for their total energy intake [7], which is the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) [8]
Considering the relevance of characterizing and monitoring the consumption of sugars and artificial sweeteners (AS), the present study aimed to evaluate the use of table sugar and AS in the Brazilian population, and evaluate the variations in daily energy intake and diet composition according to the type of sweetener added in beverages and food
Summary
The consumption of sugars and artificial sweetener (AS) and their effects on health have been widely studied [1,2]. Information on the use of these products is still limited at national levels, as shown in a systematic review that revealed that only nine countries evaluated the intake of sweeteners in nationally representative dietary studies [3]. In Brazil, the first National Dietary Survey, which was conducted in 2008–2009, indicated that on average, total sugars represented 11.4% of the total energy intake of individuals aged >10 years [6], and that 61% of the population consumed more than >10% free sugars for their total energy intake [7], which is the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) [8]
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