(P22-050-20) Dietary Intakes, Sources, and Determinants of Total and Free Sugar Consumption Among Lebanese Children and Adolescents: Findings from a National Study

Objectives: To determine the intake levels and main sources of total sugars (TS) and free sugars (FS) among Lebanese children and adolescents and to investigate the determinants of high FS consumption.

Methods: In a national cross-sectional survey, data on socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics of Lebanese children and adolescents (5-18 years-old) were collected (n = 1,133). Dietary intake (24-hr recall) was analyzed using Nutri Pro software to determine average daily energy intake in kilocalories (kcal/d), TS and FS in grams (g/d) and as percent of total energy intake (% kcal/d). FS content of foods was defined as 100% of added sugars for non-fruit juice sources and 100% of TS for fruit juice and drinks. Independent t -tests were used to compare mean daily intakes of TS and FS by sex and age groups. Logistic regressions were conducted to explore determinants of high FS intake ( > 10% kcal/d), as per the World Health Organization recommendations.

Results: Children and adolescents consumed, on average, 1,899.9±25.2 kcal/d of which 17±0.2% kcal/d from TS and 16±0.2 %kcal/d from FS. Percentage of children and adolescents having high FS consumption was 62%. Main contributors to TS and FS were sweetened beverages, biscuits/chocolates, and syrups, jams and honey. Per consumer basis, intakes of FS from all food groups were significantly higher in older boys and girls than younger ones, except for candies, ice cream and fresh fruit juices. Multiple logistic regression showed children with higher paternal educational level and highest household monthly income had significantly lower odds of high FS intake (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.64, 0.96 and OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.83, respectively). Children meeting physical activity recommendations had higher odds of high FS compared to their counterparts (OR=1.12, 95%CI: 1.003, 1.23).

Conclusions: High proportion of Lebanese children and adolescents exceeded upper limits for FS intake. Findings highlight the need for developing culture-specific interventions aimed at reducing the intake of TS and FS among adolescents, particularly those from low-income families, to curb rising obesity rates.

Funding Sources: This project was funded by the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research and the University Research Board at the American University of Beirut.