As public health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of reducing our daily added sugar intake, it’s important to look back at the history of sugar consumption guidelines in the United States. Dating back to the original “Dietary Goals for the United States” in 1977, nutrition experts called for a reduction in sugar intake to no more than 10 percent of our daily diet. However, the sugar industry fought back, influencing the government to remove specific limits on sugar consumption in subsequent dietary guidelines.
Despite the efforts of the sugar industry, the 2015 to 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have once again highlighted the 10 percent limit as a key recommendation: “Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from added sugars.” Unfortunately, this recommendation is routinely exceeded by Americans of all ages, with adolescents averaging a shocking 87 grams of sugar per day.
The American Heart Association has also pushed for stricter limits on sugar intake, recommending no more than 6 percent of calories from added sugars. This recommendation is often overlooked, as the majority of Americans exceed this limit regularly.
Internationally, at least 65 countries have implemented guidelines to curb sugar consumption, with some recommending even lower limits than the U.S. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition has suggested reducing added sugars to 5 percent of daily calories, a standard that the World Health Organization is also moving towards.
Unlike government bodies that may be influenced by industry interests, the World Health Organization is solely focused on health and is thus able to prioritize the well-being of the public over economic concerns. This commitment to health has allowed the WHO to lead the way in setting guidelines for sugar consumption.
It’s clear that there is a global movement towards reducing sugar intake for the sake of public health. As individuals, it’s important to be mindful of our own sugar consumption and strive to limit added sugars in our diets to promote overall wellness.
For more insights on the sugar industry’s influence and the ongoing efforts to curb sugar consumption, be sure to check out our related posts and videos below. Let’s work together to make healthier choices for ourselves and future generations.
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