DT News - UK - Researchers call for global initiative to reduce sugar intake

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 23 December 2013

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – A new study, which was commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), has provided new evidence that the reduction of the total intake of free sugars, namely natural sugars and those added to foods, could benefit oral health significantly. For instance, it showed that lower intake of sugars was associated with lower levels of dental caries.

In the study, researchers at Newcastle University systematically reviewed 55 international studies on the effects of sugar intake on dental caries. According to the scientists, 47 of the studies reported a positive association between sugars and caries.

The WHO recommends that consumption of free sugars should only amount to a maximum of 10 per cent of total energy intake. The present study showed that this threshold was associated with much lower levels of tooth decay. In addition, the research suggested that further reduction of sugar to less than 5 per cent of total energy intake could minimise the risk of developing dental caries throughout a person’s lifetime.

“The public need better information on the health risks of sugary foods and drinks, and there needs to be clearer information on the levels of sugars in our foods and drinks,” said Dr Paula Moynihan, a professor of nutrition and oral health at the university’s School of Dental Sciences. “We need to make it easier for people to make healthier choices when it comes to sugars by ensuring that options lower in added sugars are made widely available in schools, shops and the workplace.”

Data for the study was obtained from various sources, including the Cochrane Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and South African Department of Health.

The study, titled “Effect on caries of restricting sugars intake: systematic review to inform WHO guidelines”, was published online on 9 December in the Journal of Dental Research ahead of print.

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