Reduce free sugars for a healthy life

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended a reduction in intake of sugars, for both adults and children, to maintain oral and metabolic health. The WHO strongly recommends that the intake of free sugars should not exceed 10% of total energy intake, and “conditionally recommends,” or suggests, a further reduction to 5% of total energy. For a 2000 calorie daily diet, this means that not more than 200, and preferably only 100 calories should come from free sugars. In everyday terms, this is equivalent to 50 g and 25 g, or 10 and 5 teaspoonfuls, respectively, of sugar, every day.