Added Sugars and Diet Quality in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Laurie Ricciuto, Loretta DiFrancesco, Gaine P. Courtney, Scott Maria O., Victor L. Fulgoni III
Primary Institution: University of Toronto
Hypothesis
This study examined associations between added sugars intake from specific food and beverage sources and diet quality among the U.S. population.
Conclusion
The relationship between added sugars intake and diet quality varies by the source of added sugars, with some sources associated with higher diet quality.
Supporting Evidence
- Higher added sugars intake from soft drinks was associated with lower diet quality.
- Higher added sugars intake from flavored milk was associated with higher diet quality among children.
- Higher added sugars intake from sweet bakery products was associated with higher diet quality among adults.
- Changes in total HEI scores across quintiles of added sugars intake were very small.
- Added sugars intake from all foods was positively associated with higher diet quality.
Takeaway
Eating too much added sugar from drinks like soda can make your diet worse, but some sugary foods like flavored milk can actually be okay for your diet.
Methodology
Data from eight cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were pooled and regression analysis was conducted.
Potential Biases
Self-reported dietary intake data may be subject to misreporting errors.
Limitations
The study does not account for variations in dietary intake according to gender, socioeconomics, or race and ethnicity.
Participant Demographics
The study included U.S. children aged 2-18 years and adults aged 19 years and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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