Food sources of added sweeteners in the diets of Americans.
OBJECTIVE
To identify food sources of added sweeteners in the US diet.


METHODS
A descriptive study using data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. Each subject provided one 24-hour dietary recall. Intake of added sweeteners was calculated using the USDA Food Guide Pyramid servings database.


METHODS
A national sample of noninstitutionalized persons aged 2 years and older (N = 15,010).


METHODS
Mean intakes of added sweeteners from all food sources and from specific food categories; percentage contribution of added sweeteners to total energy intake; and percentage contribution of each food category to total intake of added sweeteners. All analyses were conducted for the total sample and for 12 age-gender groups.


RESULTS
During 1994 to 1996, Americans aged 2 years and older consumed the equivalent of 82 g carbohydrate per day from added sweeteners, which accounted for 16% of total energy intake. In absolute terms, adolescent males consumed the most; as a percentage of energy, male and female adolescents had the highest intakes (averaging 20% of total energy from added sweeteners). The largest source of added sweeteners was regular soft drinks, which accounted for one third of intake. Other sources were table sugars, syrups, and sweets; sweetened grains; regular fruitades/drinks; and milk products.


CONCLUSIONS
Intakes of added sweeteners exceed levels compatible with meeting current dietary recommendations. Knowing food sources of added sweeteners for the overall population and for specific age-gender groups can help dietitians provide appropriate nutrition education.
Guthrie
J F
JF
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204, USA.
Morton
J F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001628:Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003611:Dairy Products / Q000592:standards; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000592:standards; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005502:Food / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005638:Fruit / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008461:Meat Products / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States; D016885:United States Department of Agriculture; D014675:Vegetables / Q000592:standards
D004041:Dietary Fats; D013549:Sweetening Agents