Draft Australian Dietary Guidelines (PDF, 3MB) - Eat For Health

Excess weight: Many foods containing added sugars, including soft drinks, confectionery, cakesand biscuits, are energy-dense but nutrient-poor. The association between sugar-sweetened drinksand weight gain appears to be related to the reduced effect on satiety with sugars in a liquidmedium. Past studies found that compensation for energy from sugar-sweetened drinks is lesscomplete than that for energy in solid form [598]. Newer evidence backs this failure tocompensate by reducing energy intake from other foods or drinks [578]. Sugar-sweetened drinkstherefore add to total energy intake [599].Nutrient density may also be compromised by a high intake of added sugars. At any given level ofenergy intake, as the proportion of added sugars in the diet increases, the nutrient density will fall[600]. This was quantified in a recent analysis of NHANES data (2003–2006) which noted thatintake of essential nutrients was less with each 5% increase in added sugars above 5–10% of energy[601].3.3.4 Practical considerations: Limiting intake of foodsand drinks containing added sugarsIn light of the current prevalence of overweight and obesity (see Chapter 4), the dietary guidelinesof many countries recommend significant reductions in foods that contribute to energy whileproviding few, if any, nutrients [143]. Many foods and drinks containing some fats, added sugarsand some starches, and alcohol fit into this category. Sugars provide approximately a quarter ofchildren’s energy intake, with 4.6–7.6% of energy coming from sugar-sweetened drinks other thanmilk [13].There is insufficient evidence to recommend an exact intake of added sugars suitable for thewhole population. From a nutritional perspective, good health can be achieved without theaddition of sugars in any form to the diet. For those who are not overweight and are alreadyconsuming an adequate diet (a minority of the population), added sugars relate mainly to theproblem of dental caries. For the majority of the population, however, overweight and obesity aremajor problems and require a reduction in energy intake. Limiting added sugars, particularly fromsugar-sweetened drinks, is one strategy for adults and children. The World Health Organizationrecommends that no more than 10% of energy should come from added sugars [88]. Recent datafrom the US suggests a level of 5–10% of energy from added sugars may be appropriate [601]. Thisis much less than current Australian consumption, reinforcing the continued need for thisGuideline.3.3.4.1 InfantsBaby-bottle caries is a recognised problem in infants who are pacified by sucking on a bottle forlong periods. Babies who fall asleep while continuing to feed from a bottle containing infantformula, fruit juice or other sugar-containing liquid can develop a severe form of tooth decay[602]. Infants do not need added sugars and the Australia New Zealand Food Standards CodeDRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 91