December 19, 2016

expert reaction to study looking at sugar intake guidelines and quality of evidence

A systematic review of sugar intake guidelines was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said:

“The UK’s current sugar consumption recommendations are based on an independent assessment of a large volume of evidence and a stringent process to ensure sound conclusions were reached. In contrast, this study was funded by some of the world’s biggest manufacturers of sugary products, who have a clear vested interest in the results, so its conclusions must be treated with caution.

“Sugar consumption is too high and is a key contributor to our current obesity crisis.”

* ‘The scientific basis of guideline recommendations on sugar intake: a systematic review’ by Jennifer Erickson et al. will be published in the Annals of Internal Medicine at 22:00 UK time on Monday 19 December 2016, which is also when the embargo will lift. 

Declared interests

None received.