title: Associations between free sugars and nutrient intakes among children and adolescents in the UK.
abstract: This study explored associations between free sugars intake (using non-milk extrinsic sugars as proxy) and nutrient intakes among children aged 1·5-18 years in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008-2012. Dietary records were completed by 2073 children (95 % completed 4 d). Mean free sugars intakes (% energy) were 11·8, 14·7 and 15·4 % in the 1·5-3, 4-10 and 11-18 years age groups, respectively. Nutrient intakes and nutrient density were compared across quintiles (Q1-Q5) of free sugars intake (% energy) within each age group. Energy intake rose from Q1 to Q5 of free sugars, whereas percentages of energy intake from fat, SFA and protein dropped. Associations with micronutrients (mg/d or mcg/d) were mostly non-significant, but among 11-18-year-olds there were significant negative associations with Zn, Se, Fe, Cu, and vitamin A and D. There were stronger negative associations with micronutrient density (mg/mcg per 4·18 MJ) for most nutrients in all age groups. Associations with vitamin C were positive. Results were similar after excluding misreporters. Children aged 4-18 years who consumed average amounts of free sugars or above (>13 % energy or Q3-Q5) had lower diet quality than those consuming <10 % free sugars (Q1), but there were insufficient data to assess diets with 5 % free sugars. High consumers obtained a higher proportion of free sugars from soft drinks, fruit juice and sugar confectionery and less from breakfast cereals. Ultimately, nutrient intakes depend on the total dietary pattern; however, reducing overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks with low nutrient density may help improve diet quality.
authors.affiliation: 1Sig-Nurture Ltd,Guildford,Surrey GU1 2TF,UK.
authors.forename: Sigrid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.affiliation: 1Sig-Nurture Ltd,Guildford,Surrey GU1 2TF,UK.
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.affiliation: 2Sugar Nutrition UK,London WC2R 1LA,UK.
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Newens
authors.affiliation: 3Ulster University, Belfast BT15 1ED,UK.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Livingstone
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001628:Beverages; D002182:Candy; D002253:Carbonated Beverages; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009753:Nutritive Value; D006113:United Kingdom; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D018977:Micronutrients; D014815:Vitamins
keywords:  EAR estimated average requirement;  EI energy intake;  NDNS National Diet and Nutrition Survey;  NMES non-milk extrinsic sugars; Diets; Micronutrient intakes; Recommendations; Sugars