Main sources of added sugar in Argentina

The high consumption of added sugars in the diet of the Argentine population and its consequent effect on health are current concerns both at the clinical and public health levels. The objective of this study was to determine the main sources of added sugars in the Argentine diet and the proportional energy contribution of each of them. The sample consisted of 1266 individuals, representative of the country's urban population from 15 to 65 years old, stratified by region, age, gender and socio-economic level. Two 24-hour dietary recalls and one socio-economic questionnaire were carried out. Among the total food and beverages consumed by Argentines, 26.9% of added sugars were provided by soft drinks and 23.8% by infusions. The third place, with 15.4%, came from baked goods (bread, cookies, etc.) and the fourth, with 12%, from ready-to-prepare juices, ahead of sweets and candies and dairy products. Men, compared to women, consumed significantly more added sugars in soft drinks (32.6 vs. 22.1%), while women consumed more added sugars in infusions (25.5 vs. 21.8%), baked goods, sugar and honey. The lower income population consumed significantly more sugar in infusions at the expense of "mate" (21.4 vs. 7 g/day), while no differences were observed in the consumption of soft drinks by socio-economic level (32.9 vs. 34.4 g/day). Urgent measures based on education could improve the consumption habits of added sugars and the health of the population.

El alto consumo de azúcares añadidos en la dieta de la población argentina y su consecuente efecto sobre la salud son preocupaciones actuales tanto a nivel clínico como de salud pública. El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en determinar las principales fuentes de azúcares añadidos de la dieta argentina y determinar el aporte proporcional de energía de cada una de ellas. La muestra consistió en 1266 individuos, representativa de la población urbana del país de 15 a 65 años y estratificada por región, edad, género y nivel socioeconómico. Se efectuaron dos recordatorios de ingesta de 24 horas y un cuestionario de nivel socioeconómico. Entre el total de alimentos y bebidas consumidos por los argentinos el 26.9% del azúcar lo aportaron las gaseosas y el 23.8% las infusiones. El tercer lugar, con 15.4%, provino de los panificados (pan, galletitas, facturas) y el cuarto, con 12%, de jugos listos para preparar, por delante de los dulces y golosinas y lácteos. Los hombres, en comparación con las mujeres consumieron significativamente más azúcares añadidos en gaseosas (32.6 vs. 22.1%) y las mujeres más en infusiones (25.5 vs. 21.8%), panificados, azúcar y miel. La población de menores recursos consumió significativamente más azúcar en infusiones a expensas del mate (21.4 vs. 7 g/día) y no se observaron diferencias en el consumo de gaseosas por nivel socioeconómico (32.9 vs. 34.4 g/día). Urgentes medidas basadas en la educación podrían mejorar los hábitos de consumo de azúcares y la salud de la población.

Principales fuentes de azúcares de adición en Argentina / Main sources of added sugars in Argentina

El alto consumo de azúcares añadidos en la dieta de la población argentina y su consecuente efecto sobre la salud son preocupaciones actuales tanto a nivel clínico como de salud pública. El objetivo del presente estudio consistió en determinar las principales fuentes de azúcares añadidos de la dieta argentina y determinar el aporte proporcional de energía de cada una de ellas. La muestra consistió en 1266 individuos, representativa de la población urbana del país de 15 a 65 años y estratificada por región, edad, género y nivel socioeconómico. Se efectuaron dos recordatorios de ingesta de 24 horas y un cuestionario de nivel socioeconómico. Entre el total de alimentos y bebidas consumidos, el 26.9% del azúcar lo aportaron las gaseosas y el 23.8% las infusiones. El tercer lugar, con 15.4%, provino de los panificados (pan, galletitas, facturas) y el cuarto, con 12%, de jugos listos para preparar, por delante de los dulces, golosinas y lácteos. Los hombres, en comparación con las mujeres consumieron significativamente más azúcares añadidos en gaseosas (32.6 vs. 22.1%) y las mujeres más en infusiones (25.5% vs. 21.8), panificados, azúcar y miel. La población de menores recursos consumió significativamente más azúcar en infusiones a expensas del mate (21.4 vs. 7 g/día) y no se observaron diferencias en el consumo de gaseosas por nivel socioeconómico (32.9 vs. 34.4 g/día). Urgentes medidas basadas en la educación podrían mejorar los hábitos de consumo de azúcares y la salud de la población.

The high consumption of added sugars in the diet of the Argentine population and its consequent effect on health are current concerns both at the clinical and public health levels. The objective of this study was to determine the main sources of added sugars in the Argentine diet and to determine the proportional energy contribution of each of them. The sample consisted of 1266 individuals, representative of the country's urban population from 15 to 65 years old, stratified by region, age, gender and socio-economic level. Two 24-hour intake records and one socio-economic questionnaire were carried out. Among the total food and beverages consumed, 26.9% of added sugars was contributed by soft drinks and 23.8% by infusions. The third place, with 15.4%, was obtained by baked goods (bread, cookies, etc.) and the fourth, with 12%, from ready-to-prepare juices, ahead of sweets, candies and dairy products. Men, compared to women, consumed significantly more added sugars in soft drinks (32.6 vs. 22.1%) and women more in infusions (25.5% vs. 21.8%), baked goods, sugar and honey. The lower income population consumed significantly more sugar in infusions at the expense of "mate" (21.4 vs. 7 g/day) and no differences were observed in the consumption of soft drinks by socio-economic level (32.9 vs. 34.4 g/day). Urgent measures based on education could improve the consumption habits of added sugars and the health of the population.

Riesgo cardiometabólico en adolescentes con y sin obesidad: Variables metabólicas, nutricionales y consumo de refresco / Cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with and without obesity: Metabolic, nutritional and soft drink consumption variables

Resumen El consumo alto de azúcares añadidos (AZA) se asocia a mayor sobrepeso y obesidad; sin embargo, la posesión de un peso corporal adecuado puede no descartar dicho consumo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la asociación de los principales factores de riesgo cardiometabólico con el estado nutricio, el consumo de refresco (CNR) y de otras bebidas con AZA. Participaron 89 adolescentes de 10-15 años de edad (53 con obesidad [OG] y 36 sin obesidad [WOG]). Las medidas recabadas fueron: porcentaje de grasa corporal, índice de masa corporal, presión arterial, ácido úrico y glucosa sanguínea; además de un recordatorio de alimentación (24 hrs) y un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. Del OG, 31% presentó hipertensión, 71% acantosis nigricans, 13% hiperuricemia y 17% valores altos de glucosa. No obstante, el WOG registró mayor consumo de refresco, así como valores limítrofes en los demás factores de riesgo. Aunque no hubo diferencia entre los grupos en el consumo de carbohidratos, si en la frecuencia y cantidad del consumo de azúcar simple y de bebidas con AZA, entre ellas el refresco. Destaca la importancia de integrar a los factores de riesgo ya conocidos, el análisis pormenorizado del CNR y otras bebidas con AZA.

Abstract A high added sugars (AS) intake is associated with greater overweight and obesity; however, having normal weight does not mean low intake of AS. The objective of this study was to associate the main cardiometabolic risk factors with nutritional status, soft drink intake (SDI) and other beverages with AS. Participants were 89 adolescents 1015 years old (53 with obesity [OG] and 36 without obesity [WOG]). The measures were: body fat percentage, body mass index, blood pressure, uric acid and blood glucose; besides a food reminder of 24 hours and a food intake frequency questionnaire. From the OG, 31% had hypertension, 71% acanthosis nigricans, 13% hyperuricemia and 17% high values of glucose. However, the WOG increased the consumption of soft drinks, as well as the limit values in other risk factors. Although there were no differences between the groups in the consumption of carbohydrates, there were in the frequency and amount of simple sugar and drinks with AS, for instance soft drinks. It is highlighted the importance to include the already known risk factors and a detailed analysis of SDI and other soft drinks with AS.

Perception of Sugar Reduction and Added Sugar Use among Dietitians or Nutrition Teachers in Gyeonggi and Incheon

The purpose of this study was to investigate dietitians or nutrition teachers' perception of sugar reduction and usage of sugars in school meal service. A survey was conducted for dietitians or nutrition teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools in Gyeonggi and Incheon. Survey data were analyzed according to the experience period and school types of dietitians or nutrition teachers. The numbers of subjects according to work experience period were 134 (44.2%) for < 5 years, 68 (22.4%) for ≥5 and < 10 years, and 101 (33.3%) for ≥10 years. Among the subjects, 168 (55.4%) were nutrition teachers at kindergarten/elementary schools, and 135 (44.6%) were at middle/high/special schools. Perceptions of sugar reduction programs were higher in kindergarten/elementary schools than in middle/high/special schools. The perception of added sugar use increased with more work experience, and interest in sugar reduction was higher in kindergarten/elementary schools than in middle/high/special schools. Practice for added sugar reduction increased with more work experience, and the most common method for reducing sugar was use of natural sugars. The main reason for not reducing added sugars in school meals was due to preference. Nutritional education for students increased with more work experience and was higher in kindergarten/elementary schools than in middle/high/special schools. The major nutritional education methods were using school homepage (37.4%), sending family letters (37.4%), and using principle's discretion time (18.4%). Organic sugar and rice taffy were used more at kindergarten/elementary schools, and white sugar, brown sugar, and white syrup were used more at middle/high/special schools. The most common menu using added sugars was stir-fried dishes (stir-fried pork, chicken, and vegetables).

Added sugars: consumption and associated factors among adults and the elderly. São Paulo, Brazil / Açúcares de adição: consumo e fatores associados entre adultos e idosos. São Paulo, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate added sugar intake, main dietary sources and factors associated with excessive intake of added sugar. METHODS: A population-based household survey was carried out in São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. Cluster sampling was performed and the study sample comprised 689 adults and 622 elderly individuals. Dietary intake was estimated based on a 24-hour food recall. Usual nutrient intake was estimated by correcting for the within-person variance of intake using the Iowa State University (ISU) method. Linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with added sugar intake. RESULTS: Average of energy intake (EI) from added sugars was 9.1% (95% CI: 8.9%; 9.4%) among adults and 8.4% (95% CI: 8.2%; 8.7%) among the elderly (p < 0.05). Average added sugar intake (% EI) was higher among women than among men (p < 0.05). Soft drink was the main source of added sugar among adults, while table sugar was the main source of added sugar among the elderly. Added sugar intake increased with age among adults. Moreover, higher socioeconomic level was associated with added sugar intake in the same group. CONCLUSIONS: Added sugar intake is higher among younger adults of higher socioeconomic level. Soft drink and table sugar accounted for more than 50% of the sugar consumed.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o consumo alimentar, principais fontes dietéticas e fatores associados à ingestão acima da recomendação de açúcares de adição. MÉTODOS: Um inquérito populacional domiciliar foi realizado em São Paulo, a maior cidade do Brasil. A população de estudo foi obtida por um processo de amostragem por conglomerados e composta por 689 adultos e 622 idosos. O consumo alimentar foi estimado por um recordatório de 24 horas. Os valores nutricionais foram ajustados pela variância intra pessoal, utilizando o método instituído pela Universidade de Iowa (ISU). A regressão linear foi conduzida para identificar os fatores associados ao consumo de açúcares de adição s. RESULTADOS: A média de energia proveniente dos açúcares de adição foi de 9,1% (IC 95%: 8,9%; 9,4%) entre adultos e 8,4% (IC 95%: 8,2%; 8,7%) entre idosos (p < 0,05). A média do consumo de açúcares de adição foi maior entre mulheres quando comparada à dos homens (p < 0,05). A principal fonte de açúcares de adição foi refrigerante entre adultos, enquanto que entre idosos foi açúcar de mesa. O consumo de açúcares de adição aumentou conforme a idade entre adultos. Além disso, o alto nível socioeconomico esteve associado com o consumo de açúcares de adição entre adultos. CONCLUSÕES: O consumo de açúcares de adição é maior entre adultos de nível socioeconômico alto. Refrigerantes e açúcares de mesa são responsáveis por mais de 50% do consumo de açúcares.