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Associations between free sugar intake and markers of health in the UK population: An analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Julie Young

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Abstract

Recommendations for free sugar intake in the UK should be no more than 5 % of total energy due to increased health risks associated with overconsumption. It was therefore of interest to examine free sugar intakes and associations with health parameters in the UK population. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme (2008-2017) was used for this study. Dietary intake, anthropometrical measurements and clinical biomarker data collated from 5121 adult respondents aged 19-64 years were statistically analysed. Compared with the average total carbohydrate intake (48 % of energy), free sugars comprised 12·5 %, with sucrose 9 % and fructose 3·5 %. Intakes of these sugars, apart from fructose, were significantly different over collection year (P < 0·001) and significantly higher in males (P < 0·001). Comparing those consuming above or below the UK recommendations for free sugars (5 % energy), significant differences were found for BMI (P < 0·001), TAG (P < 0·001), HDL (P = 0·006) and homocysteine concentrations (P = 0·028), and significant sex differences were observed (e.g. lower blood pressure in females). Regression analysis demonstrated that free sugar intake could predict plasma TAG, HDL and homocysteine concentrations (P < 0·0001), consistent with the link between these parameters and CVD. We also found selected unhealthy food choices (using the UK Eatwell Guide) to be significantly higher in those that consumed above the recommendations (P < 0·0001) and were predictors of free sugar intakes (P < 0·0001). We have shown that adult free sugar intakes in the UK population are associated with certain negative health parameters that support the necessary reduction in free sugar intakes for the UK population.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Young J, Scott S, Clark L, Lodge JK

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Journal of Nutrition

Year: 2022

Volume: 128

Issue: 2

Pages: 225-236

Print publication date: 28/07/2022

Online publication date: 09/08/2021

Acceptance date: 04/08/2021

ISSN (print): 0007-1145

ISSN (electronic): 1475-2662

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: https://doi/org/10.1017/S0007114521002981

DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521002981

PubMed id: 34369329

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