Sugar is naturally found in fruits and milk products and added to foods during processing and preparation. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, added sugars compose on average 16 percent of the total calories in American diets. While the USDA and Food and Drug Administration encourage individuals to limit sugar intake, a recommended daily allowance has not been established. However, guidelines are available to help individuals make healthful dietary choices.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association suggests limiting foods high in added sugar. Foods with high amounts of added sugar typically do not contain significant nutritive value. The AHA proposes limiting added sugar consumption to less than 50 percent of the daily discretionary calorie allowance. (Reference 1) The daily discretionary calorie allowance is defined as the calories remaining after nutritive needs are fulfilled. This limits a woman's sugar consumption to 100 calories per day and a man's sugar consumption to 150 calories per day. Following these guidelines, the maximum proposed sugar intake equates to 6 tsp. of sugar per day for women and nine teaspoons of sugar per day for men.
Institute of Medicine
The Institute of Medicine recommends the added sugar intake not to exceed 25 percent of the total calories consumed. For example, an individual consuming 2,000 calories a day should not consume more than 500 calories from added sugars. The IOM panel strongly suggests the 25 percent cutoff not be misconstrued as the recommended daily value. In fact, guidelines recommend limiting sugar to decrease probability of chronic disease and to increase adequate intake of more nutritive macronutrients.
United States Department of Agriculture
The USDA recently released the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010" suggesting the average American consuming 2,000 calories per day may consume up to 10 tsp. of added sugars if he eats a healthy, well-balanced diet. Unfortunately, the average American does not eat a healthy diet and consumes 20 tsp. of sugar per day. Additionally, the USDA has proposed guidelines to prevent hypertension. According to the Dietary Approaches Hypertension Eating Plan, added sugar consumption for an individual eating a 2,000-calorie diet should not exceed five servings per week. One serving equals one tsp. of sugar.
Center for Science in the Public Interest
The Center for Science in the Public Interest recommends limiting the daily added sugar consumption to 10 tsp. per day based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This is the same suggested value proposed by the USDA. The CSPI petitioned the Food and Drug Administration, requesting an established recommended daily value for sugar. Additionally, the CSPI proposes this daily value appear on food labels to guide individuals in their dietary choices.
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