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| Published Date | 2017 |
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Free sugars intakes and sources among children aged 4-18 y were compared between 1997 NDNS (n1688) and NDNS 2008-2012 (n1687) by analysing original dietary records.
Mean intakes of free sugars (% energy) among 4-18y olds fell by 10% (1.7 percentage points) between 1997 and 2008-2012 (mean 16.8% vs. 15.1%) P<0.001), with a larger fall of 15% among 4-10y olds (mean 17.4% vs. 14.7%, P<0.001). Absolute intake fell from 73.2g to 60.9g among 4-10y and from 81.6g to 74.6g among 11-18y olds (P<0.001). Many foods contributed to the reduction in NMES, but notably among 4-10y, there were reductions in confectionery (-6.1g NMES) and sugar-sweetened soft drinks (-5.6g), partly offset by a rise in fruit juice (+4.1g). Among 11-18y olds there were significant decreases in sugar from confectionery (-5.8g), table sugar and spreads (-2.5g) and cakes (-2.0g), and a small rise in fruit juice (+2.5g), but no significant change in sugar from soft drinks (+1.4g). Whilst some progress is being made, on the current trajectory the new sugar target looks unachievable. A combination of strategies is needed including smaller portion sizes and reduced frequency of sugary foods and drinks, and in particular replacing sugar-sweetened drinks with low/ no sugar alternatives.