The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued strong, evidence-based guidelines on sugar intake for adults and children. The organization recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake. A further reduction to below 5% (roughly 25 grams or 6 teaspoons per day) is suggested for additional health benefits.
Free sugars refer to monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods and drinks by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices, and fruit juice concentrates. The WHO notes that high intake of free sugars is linked to an increased risk of dental caries (tooth decay) and unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to obesity and related noncommunicable diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Implementing these recommendations requires policy actions, including food and nutrition labeling, regulating marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, and fiscal policies such as taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages. Public health nutrition education is also crucial to help individuals make healthier dietary choices.
The guidelines are based on analysis of the latest scientific evidence, which shows that adults who consume less sugar have lower body weight and that higher sugar intake is associated with a greater risk of dental caries. The WHO emphasizes that these recommendations are applicable to all individuals and should be considered in the context of national public health strategies.
