Nutritionists’ obesity counterattack
Prominent nutritionists commented on the claims made in the AoS’s campaign.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, independent dietician, said: “I think it is being driven by anti-sugar pressure groups and health professionals who believe that sugar is inherently bad for health. I am not aware of pressure from sweetener companies and it would be unhelpful anyway as many of their customers also use sucrose!”
Tristan Robinson, director at The Company Nutritionist, said: “Frequent consumption of sugary foods can have a negative effect on dental health. Addition of sugar to foods unnecessarily also increases their energy density and calorie content ... Sugar in itself may not be a concern for health, however the frequency of its consumption and the quantity at which it is currently consumed is.”
Nino Binns, consultant in nutrition and food regulation, said: “Manufacturers have the responsibility to provide safe food and to provide a choice and information - all of which they do. It is the individual’s responsibility to consume an appropriate diet (or a parent’s responsibility in the case of young children).”
Click here to find out what other nutritionists made of these three key points of the debate.