WHO urges consumers to cut back on sugar

THE World Health Organization urges consumers to cut back on free sugars usually found in processed foods and beverages.

In a guideline based on new evidence and information, the UN health agency recommends that adults and children reduce their sugar consumption to less than 10% of their total energy intake. It also said that a further 5% reduction would increase health benefits. The suggested amount is from 6 to 12 teaspoons of sugar a day.

“We have solid evidence that keeping intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake reduces the risk of overweight, obesity and tooth decay,” said Dr Francesco Branca, director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition for Health and Development. “Making policy changes to support this will be key if countries are to live up to their commitments to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases.”

The WHO report, Sugars intake for adults and children excluded sugars in fresh fruits and vegetables, and sugars naturally present in milk, as there is no evidence linking consumption to any adverse effect. The agency’s guideline referred to free sugars including monosaccharides (such as glucose, fructose) and disaccharides (such as sucrose or table sugar) added to foods and drinks, and sugars present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.

Many consumers are unaware of the amount of sugars they consume because free sugars are found in a number of processed foods that are not classified under sweets. For example, a tablespoon of catsup has 4 grams (1 teaspoon) of free sugars.

Asia with population of 4 billion, consumes about 165 million tonnes of sugar, or 23 kg per capita on average, according to Sucres & Denrées, a global leader in the sugar business based in Paris, France.

The WHO said its guideline should be used in conjunction with other nutrient guidelines and dietary goals, in particular those related to fats and fatty acids (including saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids), to guide development of effective public health nutrition policies and programmes to promote a healthy diet.

( Photo © Vitek38 | Dreamstime.com)