UK Sugar and Fiber Intake Recommendations Changed With Immediate Effect

21 Jul 2015 --- A new report that outlines recommendations for carbohydrate, including sugar and fiber, intake has led to the UK recommendations being updated with immediate effect. The new recommendations are based on findings that suggest excessive free sugar consumption and inadequate fiber consumption hinder the population’s chances of a healthy lifestyle, across the UK.

Industry bodies have responded to the recommendations, highlighting that the food industry is doing all it can to improve the nutritional profile of its products. The UK Food & Drink Federation (FDF) Director General Ian Wright, said: “The most thorough scientific review of carbohydrates and health carried out in recent years should leave people in no doubt that sugars can be enjoyed safely as part of a varied and balanced diet. Sensationalist commentaries on this everyday ingredient that are not based in science should now be relegated to the past. Demonising any one ingredient in the obesity debate isn't helpful.

“Companies' ongoing work to lower calories in foods and drinks, including reducing sugars, and to offer a range of portion sizes and low and zero calorie options, supports this ambition. Food and drink producers have been fortifying products with added fibre for years.

“To meet the stretching dietary goals that SACN recommends will mean changes to the way people eat. Published diet modelling shows that people can reduce free sugars and boost fibre in the diet in a number of ways while still fitting in the foods and drink they enjoy.

“We hope SACN's key recommendations will be translated into meaningful and practical diet and lifestyle messages which are consistently used by everyone in the health debate.”

The SACN report on carbohydrates and health represents the biggest and most comprehensive review of the science linking these, and its findings are clear. In order to maintain better health, most people should reduce the amount of sugar in their diet, and increase the amount of fibre.

What is also clear is that achieving this across the population will take a big effort, not just from food producers, but from consumers, retailers and the government. Manufacturers must continue their efforts to reduce added sugar in food, and these new recommendations for halving the recommended daily sugar intake will add new impetus for them to do this.

But, to achieve the dietary changes that the evidence is showing we need to make to improve our health, it’s clear many consumers will need to make significant changes to their diet, especially as we are failing to meet current guidelines on decreasing sugar and increasing fibre. This can be supported by government, through education and other incentives, and by the food industry, through empowering consumers with clear labelling and providing alternatives. But ultimately it will be up to consumers to make changes needed.

It is hoped that the evidence assessed and provided by SACN will show the benefits of a healthy diet, low in sugar and high in fibre, and lead to more consumers achieving this.

Whilst the advice to cut sugar is gathering most attention, it is believed that of equal importance is the strong evidence presented that we should increase our fibre in the diet. Cereals are an easy way of adding fibre, and the SACN review recommends increasing whole grain cereals. Fibre intake can also be increased through eating more fruit and vegetables.

SACN report main recommendations:

•    Free sugars account for no more than 5% of daily energy intake:

o    19g children aged 4 to 6.

o    24g children aged 7 to 10.

o    30g for 11 years and over based on average population diets.

•    The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g. fizzy drinks, soft drinks and squash) should be minimised by both children and adults.

•    The current recommendation that starchy carbohydrates, wholegrain where possible, should form 50% of daily calorie intake is maintained.

•    It is recommended that the average population intake of dietary fibre is increased:

o    15g children aged 2-5

o    20g children aged 11-15

o    30g for 16 years and over

Highlighting the specific mention of sugar sweetened beverages, Gavin Partington British Soft Drinks Association Director General, said: “Some people do need to reduce their sugar intake and eat a more balanced diet, but today’s recommendations make little sense and will further confuse people. 

“Our industry is taking action to help and has successfully provided the choice that consumers need by developing a wide range of low and no sugar drinks. Manufacturers have reduced sugar intake from all soft drinks by more than 8% since 2012. Our ongoing work will do more to reduce sugar intake than the setting of unrealistic targets that do not consider overall diet and lifestyle. 

“The fact is there is no difference between the sugar in soft drinks and the sugar in other types of food and drink. It is baffling that soft drinks have been singled out and the industry’s work to reduce the nation’s sugar intake ignored.”

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) confirmed that it supports SACN's recommendations. BDA Honorary Chairman, Dr Fiona McCullough, said: “We have known for a number of years, and further evidence presented, shows that as a nation, we are consuming too much sugar.  The time is now right to address this issue head on and improve the nation’s health in both the long and short term.

“I also welcome the need to increase fibre in the nation’s diet. 

“The experts have presented credible evidence and the ball is now firmly in the Government’s court to seize this opportunity to improve the nation’s health.  While we all have a personal role to play in our individual health and the health of our families, we do need political will and momentum behind this.”