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European Journal of Nutrition

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01-04-2020 | Original Contribution

Age and time trends in sugar intake among children and adolescents: results from the DONALD study

Authors: Ines Perrar, Sarah Schmitting, Karen W. Della Corte, Anette E. Buyken, Ute Alexy

Published in: European Journal of Nutrition | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To describe age and time trends in added sugar, free sugar and total sugar intake among German 3–18-year-olds.

Methods

Overall, 10,761 3-day dietary records kept between 1985 and 2016 by 1312 DONALD participants (660 boys, 652 girls) were analysed (%E) using polynomial mixed-effects regression models.

Results

TS intake decreased with age (♂: linear, quadratic and cubic trend all p < 0.0098; ♀: linear trend p < 0.0001). While the oldest children had the lowest FS intake (linear, quadratic trend: p < 0.0001), the youngest children had the lowest AS intake (linear, quadratic trend p < 0.0001, cubic trend p = 0.0004). In terms of time trends, TS (♂: cubic trend p = 0.0052; ♀: quadratic trend p = 0.0608, cubic trend p = 0.0014) and FS (quadratic trend p = 0.0163, cubic trend p < 0.0001) intake increased between 1985 and 2005 and decreased thereafter, most notably since 2010. AS intake decreased between 1985 and 1995, increased slightly until 2005 and decreased thereafter, most notably since 2010 (linear, quadratic, cubic trend p < 0.0001). FS intake exceeded 10%E/day throughout the 30-year study period.

Conclusion

Our results do not support the common assumptions that sugar intake is on the rise and generally higher among adolescents than among younger children. Of note, TS, AS and FS intakes have decreased in the last decade among all age groups. Nevertheless, FS intake still exceeds the intake level recommended by the WHO.

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Title: Age and time trends in sugar intake among children and adolescents: results from the DONALD study
Authors: Ines Perrar
Sarah Schmitting
Karen W. Della Corte
Anette E. Buyken
Ute Alexy
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Nutrition / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1436-6207
Electronic ISSN: 1436-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-01965-y

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