As it is in Nigeria so also in UK and medical experts are calling manufacturers to softly mellow down

Emobileclinic Health News: Excessive sugar in kids drinks

Emobileclinic Reporter :Dr. Tomi Orungbe

When we saw this publication today we felt this is so expected. Is there any parent who has not noticed how sugary the kids drinks  are.  As it is in Nigeria so also in UK and medical experts are calling manufacturers to softly mellow down. According to the news release from the University of Liverpool, the researchers assessed the quantity of free sugar content in over 200 fruit drinks marketed at children and confirmed that sugar is  “unacceptably high” in half the drinks. 

The lead researcher Professor Simon Capewell from the University’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society and Action on Sugar assessed the sugar content of fruit juice drinks, 100% natural juices, and smoothies marketed specifically to children, and the quantity of free sugar was measured according to the standard portion sizes of 200ml. The researchers said parents do get carried away with drink label like ‘100% Juice drink’ ‘ which are among the ” worst offender ” while smoothies have the highest sugar content in the study.They grouped the drinks into three categories ;fruit juice, juice drink and smoothies. Juice drink contained the lowest sugar of 5.6g/100ml while smoothies have 1.0g/100ml in the study.

The news release from University of  Liverpool explained that ”free sugars refer to sugars, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, and table sugar, which are added by the manufacturer, and naturally occurring sugars in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates, but not the naturally occurring sugars found in whole fruits and vegetables, which the body metabolises differently and which act to curb energy intake.”

Professor Simon Capewell, said: “Increasing public awareness on the detrimental effect sugar sweetened drinks have on kids’ teeth and waistlines has prompted many parents to opt for seemingly healthier fruit juice and smoothie alternatives.” “Unfortunately our research shows that these parents have been misled. The sugar content of the fruit drinks, including natural fruit juices and smoothies tested, is unacceptably high. And smoothies are among the worst offenders,” he said.

Professor Capewell advises that “manufacturers should stop adding unnecessary amounts of sugars, and calories, to their fruit drink/juice/smoothie products”. He emphasizes that ” kids are being harmed for the sake of industry profits. If companies can’t slash sugar voluntarily, the government should step in with statutory regulations,” he suggested. He further advises the parents to dilute drink with water for health sake.The maximum daily sugar intake for the kids is 19 grams equivalent of 5 tea spoon.

The journal was published today on BMJ