The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition has released new guidance for clinicians and parents on the recommended maximum intake of free sugar intake in children and adolescents, which shows that current sugar intakes are up to three times more than they should be in European countries.
Free sugars are sugars that are added by the manufacturer, cook or consumer (added sugars) and sugars present in honey, syrup and fruit juices. Foods containing free sugars often have very little or no nutritional benefit and can be highly detrimental to health. Due to the body’s ability to generate energy from carbohydrates such as those found in vegetables, rice and pasta, there is no need for humans to consume any added free sugars.
