Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health.

[Pyankov Vasily]

Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health.
A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association


Abstract—High intakes of dietary sugars in the setting of a worldwide pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease have
heightened concerns about the adverse effects of excessive consumption of sugars. In 2001 to 2004, the usual intake of
added sugars for Americans was 22.2 teaspoons per day (355 calories per day). Between 1970 and 2005, average annual
availability of sugars/added sugars increased by 19%, which added 76 calories to Americans’ average daily energy
intake. Soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages are the primary source of added sugars in Americans’ diets.
Excessive consumption of sugars has been linked with several metabolic abnormalities and adverse health conditions,
as well as shortfalls of essential nutrients. Although trial data are limited, evidence from observational studies indicates
that a higher intake of soft drinks is associated with greater energy intake, higher body weight, and lower intake of
essential nutrients. National survey data also indicate that excessive consumption of added sugars is contributing to
overconsumption of discretionary calories by Americans. On the basis of the 2005 US Dietary Guidelines, intake of
added sugars greatly exceeds discretionary calorie allowances, regardless of energy needs. In view of these
considerations, the American Heart Association recommends reductions in the intake of added sugars. A prudent upper
limit of intake is half of the discretionary calorie allowance, which for most American women is no more than 100
calories per day and for most American men is no more than 150 calories per day from added sugars. (Circulation. 2009;
120:1011-1020.)

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint ... 2627v1.pdf