[Updated May 10, 2018]
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Setting specific limits on sugar intake can alarm groups that profit from sugar use. A recent study in Annals of Internal Medicine reviewed the evidence for limits on sugar intake advised by nine public health groups. The conclusion was that sugar intake guidelines are based on low-quality evidence. However, the study has drawn sharp criticism because it was primarily funded by the International Life Sciences Institute, which is supported by food and agriculture companies that may have a vested interest in sugar use.
So, don’t rush to the candy dish. There’s plenty of science suggesting that the less sugar and other refined carbohydrate we consume, the lower our risk of health concerns such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily intake of added sugars (including what’s in packaged foods) to 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men and 6 teaspoons (24 grams) for women, on average.
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