WHO guideline on carbohydrate intake for adults and children

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Unhealthy diets are a major risk factor. Among other dietary factors, poorer quality of carbohydrates in the diet is associated with an increased risk of NCDs. The proportion of dietary fibre is a particularly important indicator of the quality of carbohydrate. The aim of this World Health Organization (WHO)guideline is to provide guidance on carbohydrate intake, including dietary fibre and healthy food sources of carbohydrates. This guideline was developed following the WHO Manual for Guideline Development. The process includes a review of systematically gathered evidence by an international, multidisciplinary group of experts, an assessment of the confidence in this evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach, and the consideration of additional factors when translating the evidence into recommendations. The results of seven systematic reviews inform the formulation of carbohydrate intake recommendations. The WHO recommends that carbohydrate intake should consist primarily of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes. It also recommends an intake of at least 400 g of vegetables and fruit per day for adults and at least 250-400 g per day for children and young people, depending on their age. With regard to naturally occurring fiber, a daily intake of at least 25 g is recommended for adults and 15-25 g per day for children and adolescents, depending on age.