DOES A HIGH-SUGAR DIET PROMOTE OVERWEIGHT IN CHILDREN AND LEAD TO NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a high consumption of sugars promotes obesity in children and has adverse effects on diet composition. Children aged between 11 and 12 years (76 boys and 67 girls) completed a 7-day weighed and recorded inventory of all food and drinks consumed. Energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using standard food composition tables, and heights and weights were measured. We found that: (i) sugars did not contribute disproportionately to high energy intakes; (ii) body mass index (kg/m(2)) was unrelated to total energy intake, but fell as the proportion of energy derived from sugars rose-this trend was statistically significant in boys (P<0.02); (iii) a striking inverse relationship was found between the percentage of food energy provided by sugars and fat (P<0.001); (iv) as sugars accounted for an increasing proportion of energy intake, no decline was observed in the intake of dietary fibre or, with the exception of niacin, in the intakes of Vitamins and minerals. Niacin intakes, however, exceeded those recommended. Calcium and vitamin C both tended to rise with increasing sugar consumption. Our findings do not support the contention that sugars favour the excessive consumption of energy, thus causing obesity, or that high intakes of sugar deplete the diet of fibre or micronutrients. Note should be taken of the strong reciprocal relationship found between the energy contributed by sugars and fat when advocating a restriction of sugar consumption by children.