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Yogurt is a low contributor to sugar intake in European children

Yogurt is a low contributor to sugar intake in European children

Excessive sugar intake is a public health problem. Sweetened foods are often preferred by children, who consume them a lot in result. Concerns that sweetened dairy foods are contributing to excessive sugar intakes, are apparently a misconception. This review summarizes the available data in different European countries, V. Azaïs-Braesco et al. show that total and added sugars are high, especially in children. But sweet products and beverages are the major contributors to added sugar, whereas yogurt is a minor.

Too much added sugars in children

High sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of several diseases, as obesity and metabolic disorders. Numerous countries consider public health policy measures or regulations to counteract excessive sugar intake, especially in children. The authors based their work on the data from 11 representative surveys in Europe. The results showed a relatively higher total sugars consumption in children (16 to 26 % of total energy intake), than in adults (15 to 21 % of energy). Added sugars also represent a higher intake proportion (11 to 17 %) in children than in adults (7 to 11 %).

Low sugar contribution from yogurt

While more than 50% of total sugars and 66% of added sugars or non-milk extrinsic sugars (NME)* in children’s diets come from sweet products (cakes, sweets, etc.) and drinks. Yogurt accounts for only 1–8% of total sugars intake and 4–9% of added or NME sugar, depending on country.

To learn more, read the original article.

* Non-milk extrinsic sugars include: table sugar, honey, glucose, fructose and glucose syrups, sugars added to food and sugars in fruit juices.

Source: Azaïs-Braesco V et al. Nutrition Journal 2017;16:6.

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