The recent publication of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of young people (aged 4 - 18 years) in the United Kingdom has given all of those interested in food, health and diet a new databank of statistics to analyse and interpret.
Undertaken as part of a programme which will cover all age groups, this survey provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the dietary habits, nutrient intakes and nutritional status of British young people.
At a time when childhood obesity, dietary disorders and the quality of childrens' diet receive widespread media coverage, it is perhaps some comfort to know that few British children are likely to suffer from the quantity or content of their diet. Of far more concern is the fact that they are getting far too little exercise, particularly once they reach their teens.
Of course, the key issue is the balance of the diet, rather than simply the amount of energy consumed, and it is here that the survey provides some very interesting findings.
Boys derived 51.6% of their energy intake from carbohydrates while girls get 51.1% of their energy intake from this source. However the nature of these carbohydrates leaves room for some improvement. Simple sugars (NMES - Non-Milk Extrinsic Sugars) accounted for 16.7% of energy intake for boys and 16.4% for girls - this exceeds the recommended average of 11% set by COMA (Committee for Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy).
The main source of NMES intake is carbonated soft drinks which account for almost a quarter of NMES in older boys and girls. A switch to low or no sugar soft drinks could have a significant impact, not least on the incidence of dental caries.
Carbonated soft drinks are by far the most popular beverages among young people, with full sugar products consumed by three quarters of the survey sample, though market figures show that juice drinks are gaining significant 'share of throat'.
New low and no sugar products in the soft drink sector provide the opportunity to reduce extrinsic sugars without compromising on taste, which is very important in gaining product acceptance among children and teenagers.
For example, Britvic's new Juice Up in Smooth Orange, Sunshine Tropical and Cool Berry Flavours contains 17% fruit juice, 8% skimmed milk and 17% of the RDA for calcium (per 200ml). But it contains no added sugar and is sweetened with aspartame.
Low sugar soft drinks can improve young people's diets
What does the term "diet" mean? The definition of a diet as the complete oral consumption of nutrients and non-nutritive substances is comprehensive yet lacks specificity. It is defined by the typical composition and allocation of nutrients and foods ingested by an individual or a specified group.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Low sugar soft drinks can improve young people's diets
Labels:
juice,
low sugar,
obesity,
soft drinks
The most popular Articles
-
Water distribution in the body Water accounts for approximately 60% of the total body mass in a normal adult, making it the most abundant ...
-
Pancreas – Organ Producing Digestive Enzymes The pancreas, the organ producing the most potent digestive enzymes, is a slender, elongated or...
-
The Appetite Control Center The appetite control center is housed in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. There are many hormones th...
-
Obesity is a major public health and economic problem of global significance. Prevalence rates are increasing in all parts of the world, bot...
-
Fast food: 6 ways to healthier meals Fit fast food into your weight-loss or healthy diet plan. Make wise meal choices and practice moderati...
Other interesting articles
-
-
-
Vitamins are vital for human growth, maintenance, and overall health. The following list encompasses essential vitamins: 1. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) ...
-
Unveiling the Culinary Marvel of Masa Harina: A Gluten-Free Staple - Masa harina, colloquially known as corn dough or masa flour, stands as a culinary gem cherished for its gluten-free nature and distinctive attributes. Craf...
-
The Evolution of Refrigeration: From Carl Von Linde to Modern Cryogenic Systems - Refrigeration processing, a pivotal facet of modern industry and daily life, finds its roots in the pioneering work of Carl Von Linde. Linde's journey into...