Dietary sugars intake and cardiovascular health: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

Description

In this scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), the impact of dietary sugar intake on obesity and cardiovascular health is reviewed. Usual intake of added sugars on the basis of data from the 2001 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was 22.2 teaspoons per day (355 calories), with the highest intakes at 34.3 teaspoon (549 calories) per day in 14 to 18 years old males. Increased intake of soft drinks, fruit drinks, desserts, candy etc. are responsible for this high sugar intake which is linked to an increased body weight and several metabolic abnormalities as well as shortfalls of essential nutriments. The energy intake from sweetened beverages has more than doubled between 1965 and 2001 and this overconsumption of liquid calories induces a weak satiety signal when compared to solid food. In view of these considerations, the AHA recommends reductions in the intake of added sugars. A prudent upper limit of intake representing half of the discretionary calorie allowance would be for most American women, no more than 100 calories per day and for most American men no more than 150 calories per day from added sugars.