By Richard Tardif
Sugar intake from liquid refreshment beverages (LRBs) is declining, reveals a Statistics Canada health report, but Canadians are consuming more of the sweet stuff from food. On average, children aged one to eight were consuming 101 grams (24 teaspoons) in 2015 compared to 2004. In 2015, children aged nine to 18, were consuming 115 grams (27 teaspoons), and 85 grams (20 teaspoons) for adults. Overall, this demonstrates a significant reduction in sugar consumption from 2004.
Background
The objective of the report was to understand how and if total sugar consumption is changing by detailing the results of a cross-sectional survey. To achieve this, researchers compared data that was previously collected from more than 35,000 in 2004, to more than 20,000 previously collected from January to December in 2015. In both years, participants reported all foods and drinks consumed over a 24-hour period using the National Canadian Community Health Survey, Nutrition focus.
Sugar Consumption declining in beverages
Sugar intake from liquid refreshment beverages (LRBs) is declining. This is a good sign, because LRBs such as pop, milk, juice, fruit drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and tea remain the top sweetened products. See Fizz-Free, sugar free in February challenge.
This is due, in part, to our patterns of consumption relating to the general amount of added sugars available in the marketplace, which in Canada has been declining over the past 20 years. Comparing Canada two the US, consumption of sugar is one-third less. Much of this difference is that Canadian consumption of soft drinks was about half that of the US.[mfn]https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2008004/article/10716/6500244-eng.htm[/mfn]
(See Richard’s November 28, 2018 New study says taxing sugar won’t change our behaviour)
There is another possible explanation for the decline in LRB consumption. Soft drink consumption in Canada is down from 2005 to 2018 by 38 litres per capita.[mfn]https://www.statista.com/statistics/452971/soft-drink-consumption-per-capita-in-canada/[/mfn] Campaigns to reduce sugar consumption have proven worthy. For example, schools are responding by dumping LRB vendor machines, as are local arenas, libraries and other public places.
Sugar Consumption from food on the rise
But these signs of lower LRB consumption are also supported by subterfuge. Sugar intake from food is increasing. The percentage of sugar from specific foods such as yogurt and baked goods among young children (2-8 years old) are increasing, while sugar from LRBs in the same age group, are declining. According to the survey, “Despite the high proportions found in this study, percentages of sugary beverages consumed in 2015 were significantly lower than in 2004, which suggests a decrease in consumption across age groups”. But not in food.
The report made it clear that no other study was found examining total sugars from food compared with beverages. Nevertheless, differences in food sources may help to explain these findings. On page 16, the authors write, “From 2004 to 2015, the consumption of baked goods and products, as a percentage of total sugars, increased by up to 50 percent among children. Large increases were also seen in the consumption of frozen desserts, particularly among adults, and in the consumption of types of yogurt that contain free sugars.”
Limitations of report
As in many surveys, participants either overestimate or underestimate their diet. Only 58 percent of the adult respondents (above 19 years old) were considered to have accurately reported their diet. The authors of the report acknowledge this limitation. Statistics Canada attempts to compensate for this by measuring the calories that people report and, given their size and weight and activity levels, determine if that matches up with the number of calories they could be expected to be eating.
Is there is more that could be done to reduce consumption of sugar? The authors of the report say one issue is the way sugar consumption is defined in Canada. Foods labels highlight total sugars, but the main concern of dietitians is free or added sugars, and not what is naturally found in foods like apples or carrots. Because these aren’t sorted out in food labelling it is difficult to know how much added sugar you are eating.
Bottom line? The report offers surveyors insights into how to reframe future consumption surveys in the hope of improving analysis. This is a positive step toward increasing accuracy in future surveys.
What is clear? We love our sugar, wherever it comes from. Just. Eat. Right.
Richard Tardif is an award-winning investigative journalist, fitness trainer, speaker, author based in Montreal. Richard’s first book Stop the Denial: A Case for Embracing the Truth About Fitness, challenges, surprises, and inspires you to embrace a fitness lifestyle that will work in achieving your individual goals.
Richard’s second book, Still in Denial: The Reasons for Embracing the Truth About Fitness, will be released in May 2019.
Another book in The Denial series, Beyond the Denial: Embracing Your Fitness Trainer and Your Health, is scheduled for release on September 1, 2019.
