Dietary sources of free, added, and total sugars in Swedish adolescents.

Abstract

Purpose: Swedish adolescents' free and added sugars intake exceeds recommended levels. This poses potential health problems; however, little is known about dietary sources within the Swedish population. This study investigated dietary sources of sugars among Swedish adolescents, as well as timing and location of free sugars intake.

Methods: A nationally representative sample of 3099 adolescents in school years 5, 8 and 11 (ages around 12, 15 and 18) was derived from the Riksmaten Adolescents 2016-17 cross-sectional survey. Dietary intake was self-reported over two non-consecutive days of retrospective registration. Various food categories' contribution to sugars intake were evaluated in relative and absolute terms. To analyse differences between subsamples in consumption, non-parametric tests and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) were the biggest source of free (30%) and added sugars (34%) within the population, contributing with 4.4% of total energy intake among consumers. SSBs were particularly consumed by boys, adolescents to parents with lower education levels, and those residing in smaller cities/rural areas. Other food categories contributing substantially to free sugars intake were sweets and chocolates (20%), sweet bakery products and desserts (11%), fruit juices (11%), and sweetened dairy products (9%). Intakes of free sugars were higher during weekends, mostly consumed outside of main meals, predominantly within the home environment.

Conclusion: The majority of free and added sugars consumed by Swedish adolescents comes from nutrient-poor food sources. SSB intake is highly associated with free and added sugars intake and is the primary source of sugars in the adolescent diet.