Consumption of sugars

Abstract

The mean percent of energy from total sugars minus lactose is 18% in the United States, according to data from the 1987-1988 US Department of Agriculture Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. When sugars intake is distributed among food pyramid groupings, the primary contributor is the "others" group (39%). The relationship between sugars intakes and micronutrients was age and sex dependent. Consumers of high amounts of sugars do not necessarily have poorer quality diets. In the European Union, the mean percent energy from all sugars is 15.2%. The top five sources of sugar contributed 68% of sugar intake but only 11% of fat intake (UK data). Although sugars intake varies among these major developed regions, the consistent inverse relation between fat and sugars intake and the scarcity of individuals achieving dietary guidelines raises serious questions regarding current dietary recommendations.