Characterization of the Types of Sweeteners Consumed in Honduras

Abstract

Sweeteners are found in all types of foods, and their high consumption is associated with chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, among others. A characterization was carried out of food products with sweeteners from the three biggest supermarkets at a national level; they were identified by the list of ingredients and classified according to caloric or non-caloric intake, and pursuant to their country of origin. A statistical interpretation of results was made using descriptive measures such as the number of times the sweeteners were found in the formulation of the products and how many of them were found in a product at the same time. In total, 341 products were evaluated and classified according to the processed food categories of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) nutrient profile. The category of beverages had the highest quantity of products with sweeteners, and their consumption by the inhabitants represents a high exposure. Overall, 60.1% of the products evaluated were of US origin; these US exports have a significant impact on the Honduran market. A high-fructose corn syrup caloric sweetener was the one most frequently found in these products; at least 51% are combined with additional sweeteners to increase the sweetening effect.

How Do Commercial Children’s Foods Influence Their Growth and Development? A Map of Commercially Available Children’s Foods in Honduras

“…The two mentioned studies also show the relationship between the price and nutritional quality with the most sugary products having the lowest cost, which contributes to the obesogenic effect [1]. It is noteworthy that in the lower-income sectors, processed products that target a population that is older than the infant population are often provided to infants and young children; these products contain similar or higher levels of sugar, because they are available at even lower costs [19] [30] [33].…”

Sweetening Agents and Sweeteners in Dietary Supplements for Children-Analysis of the Polish Market

“…Additionally, the term “natural origin” is used in the consumer information, as in the case of steviol glycoside, or “artificial” origin when they are synthetic [ 1 ]. Sweetening agents and sweeteners are often used in the production of non-alcoholic beverages [ 2 , 3 ], confectionery products [ 4 ], pickles, sauces [ 5 ] as well as foodstuffs applied to energy-restricted diets [ 6 ], dietary foods for special medical purposes or dietary supplements (DS) [ 7 ]. They are one of the reasons why the consumption of added sugars has risen dramatically over the past few decades and has negatively contributed to human health [ 3 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Sweetening agents and sweeteners are often used in the production of non-alcoholic beverages [ 2 , 3 ], confectionery products [ 4 ], pickles, sauces [ 5 ] as well as foodstuffs applied to energy-restricted diets [ 6 ], dietary foods for special medical purposes or dietary supplements (DS) [ 7 ]. They are one of the reasons why the consumption of added sugars has risen dramatically over the past few decades and has negatively contributed to human health [ 3 , 8 , 9 ]. Due to the increasing epidemic of obesity [ 10 , 11 ] and number of individuals with diabetes [ 12 , 13 ], it is important to educate consumers to make reasonable and healthy food choices.…”