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Nutrition: reduce consumption
of added simple carbohydrates

Excessive consumption of added simple carbohydrates damages health, contributing especially to overweight and obesity. A drop in consumption is desirable, especially among young people.

The French food safety authority (AFSSA) has issued a report on the health effects of added simple carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, sucrose). From the studies available, AFSSA considers there is a likely connection between the consumption of added simple carbohydrates and overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Excessive consumption of added simple carbohydrates, especially in the form of beverages, seems to be seriously implicated in the rise in overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in the industrialised countries.

AFSSA also points out that an excess of simple carbohydrates is often associated with snacking, often on foods also rich in fat, and the drinking of sugary beverages all day long, especially among young people. Vending machines making these products available in schools clearly exacerbate the problem.

AFSSA recommends a 25% reduction in consumption of simple carbohydrates, in particular between meals and in the form of beverages. It also recommends routine labelling indicating the quantities of added carbohydrates in food products and beverages.

©Prescrire June 2005

Source: "Les recommandations de l'Afssa sur la consommation de glucides simples" Rev Prescrire 2005 ; 25 (262) : 462-463.

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