HHS/USDA Urged to Commission Review of Sugar’s Health Impact

WASHINGTON - Citing Americans’ sharp increase in sugar consumption, abroad array of health and nutrition experts have asked the federalgovernment to commission a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study onthe health consequences of sugar consumption. In a letter to theSecretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the experts citedmedical evidence indicating that diets high in sugar can promoteobesity, kidney stones, osteoporosis, heart disease, and dental caries.

The letter was signed by Dr. George Blackburn of Harvard MedicalSchool, Dr. Kelly Brownell of Yale University, Dr. Marion Nestle of NewYork University, Dr. Walter Willett of the Harvard School of PublicHealth, the American Public Health Association, the American SchoolHealth Association, C. Everett Koop’s “Shape Up America!” organization,the Society for Nutrition Education, the Center for Science in thePublic Interest, and 38 other professors and health groups.

According to the USDA, people consuming 2,000 calories a day should eatno more than about 10 teaspoons of added sugar. USDA surveys show thatthe average American is consuming about 20 teaspoons of sugar per day.

“Sugar consumption is off the charts,” said Michael F. Jacobson,executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest.“Added sugars - found largely in junk foods such as soft drinks, cakes,and cookies - squeeze healthier foods out of the diet. That sugar nowaccounts for 16 percent of the calories consumed by the averageAmerican and 20 percent of teenagers’ calories.”

A government study found that in 1977-78 added sugars provided only 11 percent of the average person’s calories.

Soft drinks, which contain about nine teaspoons of sugar per 12-ouncecan, are a leading contributor to increased sugar consumption. The percapita consumption of soda has doubled since 1974. In their letter, theexperts warned that soda pop may be contributing to osteoporosisbecause many teenage girls and young women drink soda instead ofcalcium-rich milk.

In 1942, the American Medical Association (AMA) expressed concern aboutsweetened carbonated beverages, candy, and other foods rich in sugarbut poor in nutrients. The AMA urged that “all practical means be takento limit consumption” of such foods. Since 1942, soft-drink consumptionhas increased about seven-fold (excluding diet soda), and overall sugarconsumption has increased by one-third.

“Many Americans will make New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier andlose weight. Cutting back on nutrient-poor sugary foods, such as soda,cookies, candies, and pastries, will help people achieve theirresolutions,” stated Dr. Margo Wootan, senior scientist for CSPI.

The health experts’ letter also cited studies showing that mostAmericans are not eating the recommended levels of fruits andvegetables and that obesity rates in the U.S. have sharply increased.Twenty years ago, teens consumed almost twice as much milk as soda;today they consume almost twice as much soda as milk.

The experts urged that an NAS study of sugar consumption be conductedto assess the full impact of added sugars on Americans’ diet andhealth. They said the study should also recommend future policy changesand research.

“With all the focus on fat, we’ve forgotten about sugar. It’s time torethink our national infatuation with sweets,” concluded Jacobson.