The History of Sugar Guidelines
The McGovern report was met with resistance from the sugar industry, with the Sugar Association calling for its neutralization. Despite this, the report still recommended a reduction in sugar intake, among other dietary changes.
When the official dietary guidelines were released in 1980 and then again in 1985, the recommendations for sugar intake were vague, with no specific limit given. By 1995, the guidelines had become even vaguer, simply advising Americans to avoid too much sugar.
In 2000, the guidelines returned to recommending a limit on sugar intake, but this recommendation was deemed too strong by sugar lobbyists, who pushed for a return to vague language. By 2005, the guidelines had dropped any mention of sugar altogether, instead advising Americans to choose carbohydrates wisely.
However, in 2015, the current dietary guidelines finally recommended a limit on sugar intake of no more than 10 percent of the daily diet. Despite this, the average American still consumes far more added sugar than recommended.
The Impact of Excessive Sugar Intake
Excessive sugar intake has been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons per day for children and no more than 9 teaspoons per day for adults.
However, the average American consumes far more added sugars than this, with adolescents averaging 87 grams of sugar per day—the equivalent of 29 sugar packets. The American Heart Association has called for reducing added sugar intake to 6 percent of calories, but this recommendation is currently exceeded by 90 percent of Americans.
Guidelines for Children
The American Heart Association recommends that children consume no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day. However, there are currently nearly 100 cereals on the U.S. market that exceed this limit in a single serving.
Additionally, the American Heart Association recommends that children under the age of 2 avoid added sugars altogether, a recommendation that is violated by up to 80 percent of toddlers.
International Guidelines
The United States is one of at least 65 countries that have implemented dietary guidelines or policies to curb sugar consumption. In the UK, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition has recommended reducing added sugars to no more than 5 percent of the daily diet, a recommendation that is in line with the World Health Organization's goals.
The World Health Organization has called for reducing sugar intake to under 10 percent of the daily diet and for reducing it even further to 5 percent if possible. This is due to the link between excessive sugar intake and a number of health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, excessive sugar intake is a significant problem in the United States and around the world. While the current dietary guidelines recommend a limit on added sugar intake, the average American still consumes far more added sugar than recommended.
Reducing sugar intake is important for maintaining a healthy diet and reducing the risk of a number of health problems. By following the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association and other organizations, Americans can work to reduce their sugar intake and improve their overall health.