[Sugar role through the life cycle: from infancy to the elderly]

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Dietary Studies
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Dietary sugars play a multifaceted role throughout the human lifespan.
• Understanding sugar's impact is crucial from infancy through aging, including during pregnancy and lactation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and update the role of various sugars across the human life cycle.
• To evaluate the health implications of both low and high sugar consumption.
• To provide recommendations for adequate sugar intake and public health strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on sugar consumption.
• Analysis of physiological contexts including infancy, aging, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
• Evaluation of health outcomes associated with different sugar intake levels.

Main Results:

• Moderate sugar consumption can be adequate within a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
• Sugar contributes to palatability, enhancing dietary intake.
• Both low intake (e.g., glucose) and high, prolonged intake pose potential health risks, particularly concerning chronic diseases.

Conclusions:

• Adequate sugar consumption requires a balanced benefit/risk evaluation.
• Recommendations are provided for individual and public health strategies regarding sugar intake.
• Further research may refine optimal sugar intake guidelines across the lifespan.