Sunday 7 September 2008

Scottish children's diet too high in sugar

Thursday 27 March 2008

chocolate bar

Children in Scotland are eating too much sugar, according to a Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) survey published today. The report shows that the main sources of sugar in youngsters’ diets were soft drinks, confectionery, biscuits and cakes.

The survey looked at the sugar intake of 1,700 Scottish children aged between three and 16 years old.

It tracked progress towards the Scottish Dietary Target, which stipulates that less than 10% of the total calories consumed should be Non Milk Extrinsic Sugars (NMES), which are sugars added to food and drink, table sugar and those present in fruit juices.

Key findings

Key survey findings include:

The average NMES consumption was 17.4% of calorie intake, which is higher than the Scottish Dietary Target of 10%. In the 2004 Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey, intake was 17.1% and in 1997 it was 16.7% in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey.
NMES intakes were higher in older children; sugar consumption was 15.8% of calories in three to seven year olds and up to 19.1% in 12 to 17 year olds.
Intakes were higher in those living in less affluent areas, where more high sugar foods such as soft drinks were consumed.
The results suggested NMES intake was significantly higher in children who had been treated for dental decay – 18.5% compared to 16.1% for those who had not received treatment for decay.
There was no evidence of a difference in average consumption between children who were overweight and those who were not. This could be due to the youngsters eating less at the time of the study or under-reporting what they ate.

What's been learnt and what's being done?

FSAS Assistant Director Jim Thomson said: 'This is the first type of survey of its kind to be carried out with children in Scotland and, disappointingly, it provides evidence that youngsters are consuming a lot more sugar than the 10% target.

'It underlines the ongoing need for the FSAS to continue to work with other organisations, particularly the Scottish Government, to promote a healthy balanced diet and give children the support and information they need to make better dietary choices.

'Ongoing activities include working with the food industry on reformulation of recipes; introducing front-of-pack nutrition labelling; continuing to support Government work in schools and providing expert nutrition advice. We hope this report will prove invaluable for helping to inform diet and nutrition policy.'

Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health in Scotland, said: 'Whilst it is disappointing to note the high level of sugar intake of children in Scotland, we are actively working on policies to encourage youngsters to make healthier choices.

'These include introducing standards for healthier meals in schools and the free school meals pilot for children in primary one to three.

'Long-term change to improve diet requires support from many areas, including parents, the public and the private sector.'

What should children eat?

Children should eat a balanced and varied diet – with meals based on starchy foods such as bread, cereals, rice and pasta, lots of fruit and vegetables, some protein-rich foods like meat, fish and lentils and some dairy produce. Foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt should be eaten less often and the Agency advises people to check labels and pick healthier options where possible.

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Scottish children's diet too high in sugar

Key findings

What's been learnt and what's being done?

What should children eat?

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