Sugars added in food: Health effects and global regulation

Abstract

Added sugars are sugars and syrups added to foods during their processing. A high intake of sugars is linked to the development of pathologies such as overweight, obesity, liver alterations, behavior disorders, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, as well as some types of cancer and dental caries. Additionally, the intake of sugars increases the development of psychological alterations such as hyperactivity, premenstrual syndrome and even mental illnesses. Taking the abovementioned into account, it is necessary to consider the regulation of sugar content in processed products, as well as some intake goals. In some countries a regulation focused on aspects such as classification of the products according to the sugar content, nutritional information on the label, amount of sugar allowed depending on the food, definition of goals and strategies to reduce the intake of sugars, and increase of taxes for the products which do not fulfill the regulation, has been made. When comparing the effects of sugar intake with those of alcohol intake it is stated that control actions for sugar intake must be similar to those of tobacco and alcohol, which includeintervention in advertising, taxes, price control and places of distribution.