The role of sugars, in particular in the form of soft drinks, in the development of obesity and its metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities is increasingly recognized. The mechanisms involved are probably multiple, but the energy content, the glycemic load and the liquid consistence play probably a more important role than the fructose content. The present recommendations encourage to limit the amount of added or free sugars to 10% maybe 5% of the daily energy intake. The replacement of sugars with sweeteners may be helpful. On a broader scale, education to a less intensely sweet taste is paramount.
Key words
Added sugars, free sugars, soft drinks, fructose, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases