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Added Sugar, Macro- and Micronutrient Intakes and Anthropometry of Children in a Developing World Context

Eleni M W Maunder1, Johanna H Nel2, Nelia P Steyn3

  • 1School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Plos One
|November 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

High added sugar intake in South African children is linked to lower micronutrient intake and increased overweight/obesity risk. Reducing added sugars is crucial for child health and nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Dietary Assessment

Background:

  • Added sugar consumption is a growing concern in children's diets globally.
  • Understanding the impact of added sugars on nutrient intake and growth is vital for public health interventions.
  • Dietary patterns in South African children require further investigation regarding sugar intake and nutritional status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between added sugar intake and dietary diversity, micronutrient intake, and anthropometric status in South African children aged 1-8.9 years.
  • To analyze the impact of varying levels of added sugar consumption on nutritional adequacy and body composition.
  • To identify key sources of added sugar in the diet of young children in South Africa.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a nationally representative South African child survey (n=2,200 weighted).
  • Dietary intake assessed using 24-hour recalls from caregivers, stratified by percentage of energy from added sugar (EAS).
  • Dietary diversity score (DDS), food variety score (FVS), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and anthropometric status (stunting, overweight/obesity) were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Added sugar intake ranged from 7.5-10.3% of energy, with higher intake in urban areas and older children (4-8 years).
  • White sugar, squash, and carbonated drinks were primary sources of added sugar.
  • Higher added sugar intake showed positive correlations with DDS, FVS, and MAR, but significant negative partial correlations with essential micronutrients (e.g., protein, iron, zinc) and increased prevalence of overweight/obesity in 4-8 year olds.

Conclusions:

  • Despite positive associations with dietary variety scores, high added sugar intake leads to micronutrient dilution in children's diets.
  • Increased added sugar consumption is associated with a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in children aged 4-8 years.
  • Findings highlight the need for strategies to reduce added sugar intake and improve nutrient density in South African children's diets.
Abstract

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