Summary
This WHO guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the intake of free sugars for both adults and children, informed by systematic reviews of the relationship between sugar consumption and non-communicable disease outcomes. It recommends reducing free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, with a conditional recommendation to reduce further to below 5% for additional health benefits, particularly in relation to dental caries. The document serves as a reference framework for national dietary policy development and public health nutrition guidance worldwide.
UK applicability
The guideline is directly applicable to UK policy and practice; Public Health England and subsequent UK health bodies have drawn on this framework when developing national dietary recommendations and sugar reduction programmes, including the UK government's sugar tax and voluntary reformulation initiatives.
Key measures
Percentage of total energy intake from free sugars; conditional and strong recommendations thresholds (10% and <5% of total energy intake)
Outcomes reported
The guideline sets recommended limits for free sugars as a proportion of total energy intake in adults and children, drawing on systematic reviews of evidence linking sugar consumption to dental caries, overweight, and obesity.
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