A study published within the journal Nutrients describes the impact of added sugar intake from different sources on the intake of nutrients in US adults.

Study: Intakes of Added Sugars, with a Deal with Beverages and the Associations with Nutrient Adequacy in US Adults (NHANES 2003–2018). Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Background

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provide recommendations about dietary patterns for the US population mainly to manage the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases. In response to the rules, US adults should increase the intake of nutrients which are consumed inadequately, akin to calcium and vitamin D. Furthermore, the rules recommend reducing the intake of added sugar, sodium, and saturated fats.

Sweetened beverages are the highest source of added sugars within the US. Many sources of added sugar also provide a substantial amount of nutrients. In response to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 data, beverages including water, alcoholic beverages, coffee or tea, sweetened beverages, milk, and 100% juice collectively provide 54% of added sugar, 7% of protein, and 14-38% of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins C and D. Because of this reducing added sugar intake may considerably impact the intake of essential nutrients.

On this study, scientists have evaluated the association between added sugar intake from different sources and nutrient adequacy amongst US adults.

Study design

The NHANES is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey conducted by the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) on US residents. On this study, scientists combined the info from eight consecutive 2-year cycles of NHANES (2003–2004 through 2017–2018) to find out the intake of added sugar from specific beverages and nutrient adequacy.  

The dietary data of 35,128 US adults aged over 19 years was included in the ultimate evaluation. The sources of added sugar specifically addressed within the study included soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, coffee and tea, and flavored milk.

Regarding nutrient adequacy, the intake of ten nutrients was analyzed, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, dietary fiber, protein, and vitamins A, B12, C, D, and E. Nutrient adequacy was assessed as the proportion of adults with nutrient intakes below the necessities.   

Essential observations

A discount within the intake of added sugars from any beverages was observed with increasing age, aside from flavored milk. In contrast, an induction within the intake of added sugar from the remaining of the weight-reduction plan was observed with increasing age.

The best intake of soppy drinks was reported by adults belonging to the age group of 19 – 50 years, followed by the intake of fruit drinks and occasional and tea. A significantly lower intake of those beverages was reported by adults belonging to the age groups of 51 – 70 years and above 71 years.   

The added sugar intake from beverages accounted for 52%, 36%, and 25% of total each day calories within the age groups 19 – 50 years, 51 – 70 years, and above 71 years, respectively. Similarly, the added sugar intake from the remaining of the weight-reduction plan accounted for 48%, 64%, and 75% of total each day calories in these age groups.

Within the 19 – 50 age group, a discount in added sugar intake from soft drinks, fruit drinks, and flavored milk and an induction in added sugar intake from sports and energy drinks and occasional and tea were observed over the 16-year study period. Within the older age groups, added sugar intake from fruit drinks decreased over time.

Association between added sugar intake and nutrient adequacy

Significant associations between added sugar intake and nutrient adequacy were observed for all beverage types, with some variations between age groups. Overall, the upper intake of added sugar from soft drinks was related to higher percentages of adults with nutrient intake below the typical requirements and lower percentages of adults consuming an adequate amount of certain nutrients.  

In contrast, the upper intake of added sugar from fruit drinks and flavored milk was related to lower percentages of adults with nutrient intake below the typical requirements and better percentages of adults consuming the adequate amount of certain nutrients.

Regarding added sugar from the remaining of the weight-reduction plan, a better intake was related to lower percentages of adults with nutrient intake below the typical requirements and better percentages of adults consuming the adequate amount of certain nutrients.

Study significance

The study finds that a better added sugar intake from soft drinks can negatively affect the beneficial nutrient intake. In contrast, added sugar intake from fruit juice, flavored milk, and the remaining of the weight-reduction plan might be useful when it comes to meeting the beneficial threshold for nutrient adequacy.

Overall, the study indicates that the dietary composition of various added sugar sources can significantly influence the association between added sugar intake and nutrient adequacy.