SACN Carbohydrates and Health Report
SACN Report
The impact of carbohydrates, including sugars, on health was last investigated by the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA) in reports published in the 1980s and 1990s. In light of the extensive evidence produced since then, in 2008 the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health asked the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) to examine the latest evidence on the links between consumption of carbohydrates, sugars, starch and fibre and a range of health outcomes, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bowel health and tooth decay.
Findings and Recommendations
In 2015, SACN released their report, concluding:
- High levels of sugar consumption are associated with a greater risk of tooth decay
- The higher the proportion of sugar in the diet, the greater the risk of high energy intake
- Drinking high-sugar beverages results in weight gain and increases in BMI in teenagers and children
- Consuming too many high-sugar beverages increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
SACN made the following recommendations:
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Free sugars should account for no more than 5% daily dietary energy intake
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The term free sugars is adopted, replacing the terms Non Milk Extrinsic Sugars (NMES) and added sugars. Free sugars are those added to food or those naturally present in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices, but exclude lactose in milk and milk products
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The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g. fizzy drinks, soft drinks and squash) should be minimised by both children and adults
SACN estimated that these measures had the potential to save the NHS around £500 million every year within 10 years.
Achieving the Recommendations
The data shows that we have a long way to go to meet the recommended intake. Current estimates of UK sugar intakes from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) show that average intakes are three times higher than the 5% maximum recommended level in school-aged children at 14.7% and teenagers at 15.6% of energy intake. In adults, intakes are 12.1% of energy intake.
In order to reduce sugar intake on a national level to reach the goals set, SACN provided recommendations and action plans. These include:
- ensuring the marketing of high sugar products is appropriate and not unrestricted
- increasing accessibility of healthier and more nutritious options while reducing availability of high sugar products
- setting a clear regulatory framework that would help to classify healthy and unhealthy foods
- monitor and reduce sugar amounts in everyday food products
- increase education and accessibility of education on health and sugar intake.
