Intake of sugars and artificial sweeteners by adolescent diabetics

Abstract

The dietary intakes and sources of sucrose, fructose, sorbitol, xylitol, saccharin, cyclamate and aspartame of 152 diabetic and 74 non-diabetic adolescents were studied. Food consumption data was collected by means of two 48 hour recall interviews. In addition, the diabetics were asked about sweeteners in foods, pastries and drinks used by themselves and their family members. On the average, the diabetics had used four different alternative sweeteners, that is, other than sucrose. Only 2% of the diabetics had not used any alternative sweetener. The mean daily intakes of those diabetics who had used alternative sweeteners were; fructose 20 g, sorbitol 4 g, xylitol 1 g, saccharin 14 mg, cyclamate 22 mg and aspartame 60 mg. For fructose 75% came from natural sources such as fruits. Few people in the control group used alternative sweeteners. The intake of alternative sweeteners by the diabetics was found to be moderate and within the recommended limits. The diabetics used several different sweeteners simultaneously according to recommendations