Nutrition in Schools Advisory Service

Consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars

Some sugar in the diet is quite appropriate, particularly if it makes healthy foods more desirable, such as, cereals, milk and yoghurt.

Too many sugary foods in the diet, however, will displace healthier, nutrient dense foods and increase the risk of dental caries.

It is of concern that the National Nutrition Survey 1995 found that adolescents were the biggest soft drink consumers. It is also of concern that a survey by the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops 1998 found that 50% of high schools had vending machines selling soft drinks.

Excessive soft drink/sports drink consumption is of concern because soft drinks are displacing the healthier choices of milk and water.

Fermentable sugars cause tooth decay and the acid level of soft drinks (including lo-cal) cause enamel erosion.

For more information Nutrition Australia recommends:

• Diet and Dental Caries
• Food for Young Aussies
• Tuckshop Team-mate
• Healthy Food for Families
• Children's Nutrition Kit