New advice is for less than three per cent of daily energy intake

New research published in the Public Health Nutrition Journal has called for advice on sugar intake to be lowered to less than three per cent of daily energy intake.

The paper, authored by two expert advisors from campaign group Action on Sugar, comes in the wake of recent draft World Health Organisation guideline that recommended a daily intake of less than five per cent.

Professor Aubrey Sheiham, Emeritus Professor of Dental Public Health and co-author of the study said: “The recommendation that sugar intake should be less than 10 per cent of energy intake is no longer acceptable. Nutrition advice on sugar needs to be renewed NOW – added sugar intake should be at least less than five per cent of energy intake.

“Tooth decay is one of the most widespread health problems and it is thought around a third of UK children aged 12 have visible tooth decay. Added sugar has found its way into almost all food, and the use of sugar as a means to calm, entertain, or reward children has become normalised, whereas sugar should be an occasional treat. The government must stop acting in the best interests of the food and drink industry rather than individuals, and take action on sugar now.”