Table 2

Indicators of the dietary content in added sugars according to the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods

Indicators
Dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods (% of total energy intake)Percentage of total energy intake from added sugarsParticipants with more than 10% of total energy intake from added sugarsParticipants with more than 20% of total energy intake from added sugars
QuintilesMean (range)MeanPer centPR*PRadj†Per centPR*PRadj†
1st (n=1937)28.9 (0 to 40.1)7.526.4114.711
2nd (n=1888)47.3 (40.1 to 53.3)11.1501.91.910.52.22.2
3rd (n=1814)58.7 (53.3 to 64.1)13.862.72.42.321.14.54.3
4th (n=1779)69.7 (64.1 to 75.7)16.976.62.92.829.96.45.9
5th (n=1899)85.1 (75.7 to 100)19.5‡82.13.1‡2.9‡41.28.8‡7.9‡
Total (n=9317)57.9 (0 to 100.0)13.859.6__21.5__
  • US population aged 1+ years (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010).

  • *PR=Prevalence ratios estimated using Poisson regression (N=9317).

  • †PRadj=Prevalence ratios adjusted for sex, age groups, race/ethnicity, ratio of family income to poverty and educational attainment, as above (N=8409).

  • ‡Significant linear trend across all quintiles (p≤0.001), both in unadjusted models and models adjusted for sex, age group (1–5, 6–11, 12–19, 20–39, 40–59, 60+ years), race/ethnicity (Mexican-American, Other Hispanic, Non-Hispanic white, Non-Hispanic black and Other race—including Multiracial), ratio of family income to poverty (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 0.00–1.30, >1.30–3.50 and >3.50 and over) and educational attainment (<12, 12 and >12 years).