The study of the diets of low-income households, commissioned by theFood Standards Agency, claims to be the first-ever national survey ofthe diets of 3,728 people from the most deprived households in theUK.
Children aged between two and ten were found to consume over a thirdmore refined sugar than the maximum advised by the Government and foodexperts, with soft drinks being the main source. Saturated fat intakesalso exceeded recommended daily amounts. Children from low-incomehouseholds were less likely to eat wholemeal bread than the generalpopulation and they were found to be eating less than two portions offruit and vegetables per day.
Rachel Stratton of the Food Standards Agency said, 'Many of the problemswith low-income diets are similar to those of the general population. Itindicates we are right to focus on refined sugars, processed food,saturated fats and fruit and vegetables.'
Nutritionist Annie Seeley said, 'It is worrying that the main source ofsugar is from sugary soft drinks, which have been linked to obesity ifconsumed in large quantities. In surveys like these the number of softdrinks and sugary snacks consumed is likely to be under-reported byrespondents, so the true figures are likely to be much higher.'
Further information
www.food.gov.uk.
