Author: Walker, Ryan W.; Goran, Michael I.
Description: Excess added sugar consumption is tied to poor health outcomes in children. The sugar content of beverages and foods children are exposed to is mostly unknown, yet this information is imperative for understanding potential risks from overconsumption of sugars in early life. We determined actual sugar content by conducting a blinded laboratory analysis in infant formulas, breakfast cereals, packaged baked goods and yogurts. One hundred samples were sent to an independent laboratory for analysis via gas chromatography. Sugar content and composition was determined and total sugar was compared against nutrition labels. Of the 100 samples analyzed, 74% contained ≥20% of total calories per serving from added sugars. Nutrient label data underestimated or overestimated actual sugars and approximately 25% of all samples had actual total sugar values that were either <10% or >10% of labeled total sugar. Many products that are frequently marketed to and consumed by infants and young children contain sugars in amounts that differ from nutrition labels and often in excess of recommended daily levels. These findings provide further support for adding more comprehensive sugar labeling to food and beverage products, specifically those marketed to, or commonly consumed by, children.
Subject headings: Carbohydrates; Child; Food Analysis; Humans; Infant; Infant Formula; Nutritive Value; HFCS; Breastfeeding; Fructose; High fructose corn syrup; Obesity; Sugar; Children
Publication year: 2015
Journal or book title: Nutrients
Volume: 7
Issue: 7
Pages: 5850-5867
Find the full text: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/7/5254/pdf?version=1437045123
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Serial number: 3987