Consumption of added sugars among U.S. adults, 2005-2010

Abstract

Increased consumption of added sugars, which are sweeteners added to processed and prepared foods, has been linked to a decrease in intake of essential micronutrients (1,2) and an increase in body weight (3). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 recommends limiting total intake of discretionary calories, including both added sugars and solid fats, to 5%-15% per day (4). Recent analyses indicate that children and adolescents obtain approximately 16% of their total caloric intake from added sugars (5). This data brief presents results for consumption of added sugars among U.S. adults for 2005-2010. Results are presented by sex, age, race and ethnicity, income, type of food consumed (food or beverage), and location of consumption.