March 23, 2016

expert reaction to study of sugar in children’s drinks

The amount of sugar in the food and drink we consume is subject to an ongoing debate and researchers publishing in BMJ Open have looked at levels of sugar in juices and smoothies marketed to children.

The SMC also produced a Factsheet on sugar and health. See all of our previous work on sugar here.

Dr Gunter Kuhnle, food scientist at the University of Reading, said:

“This study by Jane Boulton and colleagues is very timely – just one week after the introduction of the sugar levy by the Chancellor. It is a very well conducted survey of drinks marketed to children with very important findings: it’s not only fizzy drinks, the main target of the sugar levy, which contribute to total sugar intake.  Indeed, sugar-sweetened beverages are only one of many contributors to total sugar intake, and most people – in particular parents – are well aware of that.

“In contrast to these drinks, fruit juices, fruit drinks and smoothies are often seen as a ‘healthy’ alternative and their sugar content is ignored. This study by Jane Boulton shows that the average sugar content in fruit juices is similar to that in cola drinks; and the content in smoothies is even higher, by almost three sugar cubes per 300mL serving.

“Of course, fruits are an important part of a balanced diet and we don’t really eat enough fruits – but fruit juices can contribute only one of the five recommended portions per day. Even though smoothies and fruit juices often contain important nutrients, and sometimes even fibre, they are different from the actual fruit and make overconsumption easy: it is much easier to drink a glass of orange juice than to peel and eat four oranges.

“This study highlights the importance to understand that there are many sources of sugar in our diet, and it is important that consumers are aware of it. Sugar is a natural product which can be found in many fruits and also in vegetables, but much too often this is forgotten. In order to achieve an overall reduction in sugar intake, it is important to identify all contributors and this study provides essential information.”

Dr Ian Johnson, nutrition researcher and Emeritus Fellow at the Institute of Food Research (IFR), said:

“We know from previous research that, in adults, a high consumption of free sugar disrupts the body’s ability to regulate its energy intake so as to maintain a healthy body weight. It seems very likely that this disruption begins early in life and that sugary beverages aimed at children are a significant factor. This research provides a timely illustration of this problem.”

‘How much sugar is hidden in drinks marketed to children? A survey of fruit juices, juice drinks and smoothies’ by Jane Boulton et al. be published in BMJ Open on Wednesday 23 March 2016. 

Declared interests

Dr Gunter Kuhnle: I was involved in research funded by the Medical Research Council and World Cancer Research Fund looking at links between sugar and obesity.  I am also funded through the European Union and industry to investigate the health effects of flavanols and other plant compounds.

Dr Ian Johnson is an emeritus fellow at IFR and a former external member of the SACN working group on carbohydrates and health. He has no grant income or commercial affiliations.