Total and added sugars consumption in Argentina : their contribution to daily energy intake : results from Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS)

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the present study is to determine the intake of total sugars (TS) and added sugars (AS) in Argentina based on the local data of the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS). Methods: This is a cross‐sectional study of a representative sample of the urban Argentine population (n = 1266). The sample was stratified by age group (15–65 years), gender, geographic region and socioeconomic level (SEL). TS and AS intake were obtained by two 24‐hour recalls (R24) and analysed using the Nutrition Data System for Research Software 2013. Results: On average, TS consumption in Argentina was 114.3 g/day, accounting for 39.8% of the total carbohydrate intake and 20.6% total energy (TE) intake. Overall, 77.2% of the TS intake consisted of AS (90.4 g/day), contributing to 30.4% of total carbohydrate intake and 15.9%TE. Men consume more TS and AS (in g/day), with no difference in the AS %TE between men and women. The consumption of sugars decreased with age, with adolescents consuming more AS and older adults more intrinsic sugars. The intake of AS was higher in low SEL. Conclusions: In Argentina, the intake of AS was 50% above the recommendations. Younger and socially vulnerable people are at higher risk of excessive intake.