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European Journal of Nutrition
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition 2/2018

01-03-2018 | Original Contribution

Dietary sources of sugars in adolescents’ diet: the HELENA study

Authors: M. I. Mesana, A. Hilbig, O. Androutsos, M. Cuenca-García, J. Dallongeville, I. Huybrechts, S. De Henauw, K. Widhalm, A. Kafatos, E. Nova, A. Marcos, M. González-Gross, D. Molnar, F. Gottrand, L. A. Moreno

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Objective

To report dietary sugars consumption and their different types and food sources, in European adolescents.

Methods

Food consumption data of selected groups were obtained from 1630 adolescents (45.6% males, 12.5–17.5 years) from the HELENA study using two nonconsecutive 24-h recalls. Energy intake, total sugars and free sugars were assessed using the HELENA-DIAT software. Multiple regression analyses were performed adjusting for relevant confounders.

Results

Total sugars intake (137.5 g/day) represented 23.6% and free sugars (110.1 g/day), 19% of energy intake. Girls had significantly lower intakes of energy, carbohydrates, total sugars and free sugars. 94% of adolescents had a consumption of free sugars above 10% of total energy intake. The main food contributor to free sugars was ‘carbonated, soft and isotonic drinks,’ followed by ‘non-chocolate confectionary’ and ‘sugar, honey, jam and syrup.’ Older boys and girls had significantly higher intakes of free sugars from ‘cakes, pies and biscuits.’ Free sugars intake was negatively associated with low socioeconomic status for ‘non-chocolate confectionary’ and ‘sugar, honey and jam’ groups; with low maternal educational level for carbonated and ‘soft drinks,’ ‘sugar, honey and jam,’ ‘cakes and pies’ and ‘breakfast cereals’ groups; and with high paternal educational level for ‘carbonated and soft drinks’ and ‘chocolates’ group.

Conclusions

The majority (94%) of studied adolescents consumed free sugars above 10% of daily energy intake. Our data indicate a broad variety in foods providing free sugars. Continued efforts are required at different levels to reduce the intake of free sugars, especially in families with a low educational level.
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Metadata
Title
Dietary sources of sugars in adolescents’ diet: the HELENA study
Authors
M. I. Mesana
A. Hilbig
O. Androutsos
M. Cuenca-García
J. Dallongeville
I. Huybrechts
S. De Henauw
K. Widhalm
A. Kafatos
E. Nova
A. Marcos
M. González-Gross
D. Molnar
F. Gottrand
L. A. Moreno
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1349-z

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