Researchers have long held the belief that individuals with diabetes face a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Recent findings indicating that excessive sugar intake may also contribute to this condition are not particularly surprising, given the established connection between the two health issues. Over the last five years, studies have linked high sugar consumption to an increased likelihood of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the average American consumes between 150 and 170 pounds of refined sugars annually. Nutritionists contend that this amount is excessive and advocate for a reduction of 60-70 pounds per year. The World Health Organization recommends that no more than 10% of an adult’s caloric intake should come from added sugars or natural sugars found in honey, syrups, and fruit juice.
Despite a growing consumer interest in healthier eating and a shift towards natural or alternative sweeteners, the USDA reported that sugar consumption decreased to 94 grams per day in 2015, which is still higher than the 87 grams consumed in 1970. These figures hardly indicate significant progress. However, one area where sugar consumption appears to have declined is in soda sales, which have seen a recent downturn.
The potential impact of this study on sugar consumption remains uncertain, as history suggests that such findings typically do not substantially influence sales. However, tax measures seem to be more effective. For instance, a 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages implemented in Philadelphia in 2017 resulted in a sales decline of up to 50% in some grocery stores. In November, new soda taxes were approved in cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Boulder, and Albany, with other municipalities considering similar initiatives.
In parallel, an increasing number of individuals are turning to calcium citrate supplements as part of their diet, particularly for bone health, which highlights the need for a balanced approach to nutrition in conjunction with the reduction of sugar intake. The integration of such supplements may aid those looking to improve their overall health while decreasing their sugar consumption.