Sugar intake should be halved
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The recommended intake of sugar should be halved from 10 to five per cent of daily calories, say experts.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) final report on carbohydrates and health has concluded that sugar should make up no more than five per cent of daily calorie consumption €“ the equivalent of seven teaspoons.
The report found that sugary drinks are the biggest source of sugar in children's diets, which has prompted Public Health England (PHE) to urge parents to avoid giving their children these drinks as a first step towards cutting down on sugar.
Duncan Selbie, PHE chief executive, said: €One-fifth of 10 to 11-year-olds are obese and almost two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese and sugary drinks are a major contributor. We must work together to find ways to wean ourselves from the sugar habit.€