Hi Fred,
Louie et al, 2015, state that ‘Added sugar is a prime target for nutrition intervention as it provides ‘empty calories’ or calories with little or no associated nutrients. Studies have shown that a high intake of added sugar can dilute the nutrient content of the diet and increase the total energy intake, potentially resulting in weight gain.’
Bernstein & L’Abbe, 2016, state that ‘Excess intake of added sugars (the sugars and syrups added to foods and beverages) — not total sugars — is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, dental caries and cardiovascular disease.’
Although total sugars include added sugars, they also refer to the sugar found naturally in whole fruits, vegetables and dairy products that are part of a healthy, balanced diet recommended in Canada’s Food Guide.
http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2016/03/14/cmaj.151081.extract
When FSANZ reviewed this issue last year, they included the following in their assessment;
‘many public health stakeholders support the proposed labelling changes. These stakeholders agreed that naturally occurring sugars and added sugars have the same physiological impact, but note the difference is significant when considering dietary quality. They believe the additional label information will assist consumers in making dietary decisions that would reduce their consumption of added sugars.’
The World Health Organisation’s recommendation on limiting added sugar is also a good read: http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/sugars_intake/en/
I hope that helps!
