The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health—A Narrative Review

Kerri M. Gillespie; Eva Kemps; Melanie J. White; Selena E. Bartlett

doi:10.3390/nu15040889

The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health—A Narrative Review

Kerri M. Gillespie, Eva Kemps, Melanie J. White, Selena E. Bartlett

College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate

78 Citations (Scopus)

1001 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.

Original language	English
Article number	889
Number of pages	25
Journal	Nutrients
Volume	15
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040889
Publication status	Published - 2 Feb 2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

cognition
coronary heart disease
diabetes
fructose
high-fructose corn syrup
microbiome
neuroinflammation
obesity
sugar
sugar-sweetened beverage

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10.3390/nu15040889Licence: CC BY

Final published versionFinal published version, 477 KBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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title = "The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health—A Narrative Review",

abstract = "The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.",

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N2 - The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.

AB - The importance of nutrition in human health has been understood for over a century. However, debate is ongoing regarding the role of added and free sugars in physiological and neurological health. In this narrative review, we have addressed several key issues around this debate and the major health conditions previously associated with sugar. We aim to determine the current evidence regarding the role of free sugars in human health, specifically obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognition, and mood. We also present some predominant theories on mechanisms of action. The findings suggest a negative effect of excessive added sugar consumption on human health and wellbeing. Specific class and source of carbohydrate appears to greatly influence the impact of these macronutrients on health. Further research into individual effects of carbohydrate forms in diverse populations is needed to understand the complex relationship between sugar and health.

KW - cognition

KW - coronary heart disease

KW - diabetes

KW - fructose

KW - high-fructose corn syrup

KW - microbiome

KW - neuroinflammation

KW - obesity

KW - sugar

KW - sugar-sweetened beverage

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ER -

The Impact of Free Sugar on Human Health—A Narrative Review

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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