Added sugar in the nutrition facts label: Consumer needs and scientific uncertainty

Kyle, Theodore K.; Thomas, Diana M.

doi:10.1002/oby.21345

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 4 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Kyle and Thomas ( 59 ) reported that consumers believe labeling of added sugars will be more helpful than confusing. However, the limited research carried out so far on consumer understanding of the labeling of added sugars has generated conflicting results ( 5 ).…”

Section: Challenges For Free Sugarsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspective: Total, Added, or Free? What Kind of Sugars Should We Be Talking About?

Mela

Woolner

2018

Advances in Nutrition

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

There is consistent public guidance to limit sugars intakes. However, WHO recommendations are for “free” sugars, whereas some other guidance documents and public discussion focus on “added” sugars, and globally most food labeling states “total” sugars. Total sugars comprise all mono- and disaccharides, regardless of source, whereas both added and free sugars exclude the sugars that naturally occur in dairy products and intact fruit and vegetables. Definitions of added and free sugars differ mainly in their respective exclusion or inclusion of sugars in juiced or pureed fruit and vegetables. To date, there has been little evidence-based analysis of the scientific basis for these different sugar classifications or implications of their adoption for consumer communication and nutrition labeling. Evidence of discriminating relations of total compared with added or free sugars with weight gain or energy intake, type 2 diabetes, and dental caries was identified from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The relations were weakest for total sugars and most consistent for dietary sources corresponding to free sugars (including sugars added to and in fruit juices). Consideration of these health outcomes suggests that the emphasis for intake monitoring, public health guidance, and consumer communication should be on free sugars. However, at present, the adoption of free sugars for these purposes would also carry challenges related to implementation, including consumer understanding, consensus on specifications, and current (labeling) regulations.

show abstract

Section: Challenges For Free Sugarsmentioning

confidence: 99%