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Refined sugar intake in Australian children
1Nutrition Unit, School of Health Science, Griffith University, PMB 50, Gold Coast, Queensland 9726, Australia. s.somerset@griffith.edu.au
Public Health Nutrition
|December 4, 2003
Summary
Australian children and adolescents consume significant amounts of refined sugar, primarily from sweetened beverages. Reducing intake of these sugary drinks is key for healthier diets.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Dietary Assessment
Background:
- Refined sugar intake is a concern for children's health.
- Understanding sources of refined sugar is crucial for dietary guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate refined sugar intake in Australian children and adolescents (2-18 years).
- Identify major sources of refined sugar in their diets.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Nutrition Survey 1995 (NNS95).
- Analyzed top 100 foods contributing to total sugar intake.
- Estimated refined sugar proportion using food composition data (NUTTAB95) and ingredient information.
Main Results:
- Mean daily refined sugar intake varied: 26.9-78.3g (girls) and 27.0-81.6g (boys).
- Refined sugar constituted 6.6-14.8% (girls) and 8.0-14.0% (boys) of total energy intake.
- Sweetened beverages, particularly cola drinks, were primary sources of refined sugar.
Conclusions:
- Refined sugar significantly contributes to the dietary energy of Australian children and adolescents.
- Sweetened beverages are major refined sugar sources, representing a target for reduction strategies.
- Improved data on added sugars in processed foods is needed for effective monitoring.