High Added Sugars Intake among US Adults: Characteristics, Eating Occasions, and Top Sources, 2015-2018.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional analysis of national survey data (NHANES).
PubMed 36678136 · doi:10.3390/nu15020265
What was done
Researchers analyzed NHANES 2015–2018 dietary data from 9,647 US adults aged 20 years and older. Usual intake of energy and percent of daily calories from added sugars were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. High consumption was defined as >15% of daily calories from added sugars (1.5 times the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation of <10%). Differences in prevalence across demographic, socioeconomic, and weight status groups were evaluated with t-tests, and top dietary sources of added sugars were identified.
What was found
Overall mean energy intake was 2,068 kcal/day, mean added sugars intake was 264 kcal/day, and 30% of adults were high consumers (>15% of daily calories from added sugars). High intake prevalence was significantly higher among adults aged 20–30 (29%), 31–50 (33%), and 51–70 (29%) compared to adults aged ≥70 (22%); non-Hispanic Black (39%) and non-Hispanic White (31%) compared to Hispanic adults (26%); those with <high school (37%), high school/GED (38%), or some college (34%) compared to college graduates (15%); and adults living in lower-income households (39% for poverty income ratio <130% and 35% for 130%–<350%) compared to higher-income households (21%). Prevalence did not differ by sex or weight status. Top sources of added sugars were sweetened beverages (42%), tea (12%), sweet bakery products (11%), and jams/syrups/sugars (7%).
Why it matters
This study provides updated national estimates showing that nearly one in three US adults exceeds recommended added sugar intake thresholds by at least 50%. The findings highlight substantial socioeconomic and racial disparities and pinpoint sugar-sweetened beverages as the primary target for dietary intervention.
Limits
The analysis relies on 24-hour dietary recalls, which are subject to self-report bias and underreporting. The cross-sectional design cannot establish causal relationships between socioeconomic factors and sugar consumption or assess longitudinal health outcomes.
Cited by
- contradicts Sugar cereal is the single most consumed food item by the average American.