Research Roundup

Effects of free sugars intake on human health and disease

30 January 2024

A recent editorial encourages researchers to investigate dietary sugars (added or free sugars) in relation to nutrients and food groups or food classifications (such as NOVA) rather than in isolation as sugar is usually consumed in combination with other ingredients in the human diet.  

Free/added sugars are classed as “processed culinary ingredients” and once they have been added to other ingredients to form foods, as usually consumed, these foods are classed as ultra-processed foods (UPF) under the NOVA food classification system. Investigations into how foods and nutrients may work together to improve health outcomes may help to clarify healthy balanced diet messages to the general public, who may be confused by the complicated UPF classification and how different versions of a healthy diet may be applied in their own lives. 

The author recommends further research on free and added sugars in relation to the classification of foods using the NOVA system and ways of making the UPF classification more useful nutritionally and more aligned with tradition and culture in different countries. 

Note: The author declares that she has received research funding in the past from Nestlé Nutrition. 

Reference: Emmett P. Effects of Free Sugars Intake on Human Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2024; 16(1):31. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010031