Monitoring sugar content in infant foods

Abstract

High sugar consumption increases the chance of developing diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer, as well as cavities and bacterial plaque between teeth. Considering the increase in health problems related to sugar intake in the population, the objective of this work was to monitor the presence and amount of sugar in baby food based on fruits and vegetables from different companies sold in Brazil. Titrimetric methods (Lane-Eynon) and total sugar content were used, based on total soluble solids (TSS) in degrees Brix. In the titration method, it was possible to quantify reducing and non-reducing sugars and total sugar by the redox reaction of Fehling's liquor. Baby food with the highest levels of total sugars, presented 22.72% (assorted fruits) and 21.84% (plum base). The lowest total sugars content was 2.50% (from pumpkin and coconut milk composition). TSS analysis confirmed the presence of sugars found in the titration method. We concluded that the baby foods evaluated had relevant sugar content and there is a need for constant monitoring to avoid excesses by children, as well as careful attention to their nutritional information declared on the label, considering that high sugar consumption causes risks to the health.