Sugar and Disease

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The Dietary Guidelines for Americans specifically encourage using sugar in moderation and increasing intake of complex carbohydrates and fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The Institute of Medicine recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 25% of total calories. Added sugars are those incorporated into foods and beverages during production. Examples include candy, soft drinks, fruit drinks, and pastries. The suggested maximum level comes from evidence that people whose diets are high in added sugars have lower intakes of essential nutrients.

There is no substantial evidence that table sugar (sucrose) intake causes hyperactivity in children, obesity, or diabetes. Consumption of sugar-containing beverages and foods can lead to weight gain, obesity, and the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes if the amount of energy consumed is greater than the needs of the body. Consuming sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup can contribute to tooth decay, so it is important to limit intake of sticky carbohydrate foods that feed bacteria in the mouth.

Should sugar be excluded from the diet of a child? The nutrient density of the food in relationship to the total diet must be considered, not just the sugar content. If a food supplies a high proportion of nutrients in relation to the amount of energy, it is a nutrient-dense food; conversely, if it contains a high proportion of energy, or calories, in relation to the amount of nutrients, it is a calorie-dense food. For example, an orange is denser in nutrients than orange juice because it has less sugar and more fiber per ounce compared to a concentrated drink.

A person who requires large amounts of energy because of exercise or growth can consume more foods that are energy-rich or calorie-dense than a person who is sedentary. The quantity of nutrients needed by an individual remains relatively constant for the same age–sex group. Diets for the elderly and for young children, which are relatively low in kilocalories, need to contain nutrient-dense foods unless extra energy is expended.