Intakes and sources of total and added sugars among 4 to 13‐year‐old children in China, Mexico and the United States

BACKGROUND Intakes of dietary sugars is a global concern, and many national and international organizations have set targets to limit consumption. However, it is unclear to what extent intakes of total and added sugars vary between geographies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the differences in intakes of total and added sugars in 4 to 13-year-old children in China, Mexico and the United States. The secondary aim was to identify main sources of total and added sugars in the diets of these children. METHODS Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey, 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey, and 2009-2012 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Total and added sugar intakes were calculated using the US Food Patterns Equivalents Database. RESULTS Mean intakes of total and added sugars were 26 and 9 g d-1 among Chinese children, 92 and 55 g d-1 among Mexican children, and 124 and 76 g d-1 among US children, respectively. The top food sources of total sugars were fruits among Chinese children, and sugar-sweetened beverages and milk-based beverages among Mexican and US children. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the heterogeneity of food patterns worldwide and the need for adapted country-specific public health recommendations on sugars.