Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Reducing Free Sugar Intakes: A Role for Sweet Taste

This study is investigating the best ways to help people in the UK reduce their intake of 'free sugars', which are added to foods or found naturally in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. We're looking at three different types of healthy eating advice. Participants will be asked to lower their free sugar intake to less than 5% of their total daily energy. Some will be advised to swap high-sugar foods for low-sugar, sweet-tasting alternatives. Others will swap for low-sugar foods with different tastes, and a third group will try low-sugar foods with minimal taste. We will track how much free sugar people eat, and also look at changes in weight, food choices, and how much they like different tastes over 12 weeks.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Bournemouth University

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Mar 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2025

Dietary Behaviour

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how effective different types of dietary advice are at helping people cut down on the amount of 'free sugars' in their diet. Free sugars are those added to foods and drinks, or naturally present in things like honey, syrups, and fruit juices. Eating too much free sugar can contribute to various health problems, so finding effective ways to reduce intake is important for public health.

We're testing three different approaches to dietary advice. Participants will be asked to aim for a very low level of free sugar in their diet – less than 5% of their total daily energy. To help them do this, they will be encouraged to reduce foods known to be high in free sugars. The three groups will get different guidance on what to replace these sugary foods with. One group will swap for foods that are low in sugar but still taste sweet. Another group will replace high-sugar items with low-sugar foods that have other flavours. The final group will be advised to choose low-sugar foods that don't have a strong taste.

The main goal is to see which type of advice leads to the biggest reduction in free sugar intake over 12 weeks. We will also be looking at other factors, like any changes in body weight, overall diet, how much people prefer sweet tastes, and how well they stick to the advice given. The study involves 150 people from the Dorset area who currently get more than 5% of their daily energy from free sugars.

Key takeaways

A study looking at the best way to cut down on 'free sugars' in your diet.
Compares three different types of healthy eating advice.
Involves people aged 18-65 from the Dorset area.
Participants will follow dietary advice for 12 weeks.
Aims to understand how dietary advice affects sugar intake and other health factors.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged between 18 and 65 years old and live in the South of England, specifically able to travel to Bournemouth University for appointments. You also need to be eating more than an average amount of 'free sugars' in your diet currently.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to take part. This includes if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are underweight. You also can't join if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, eating disorders, or Crohn's disease, or any medical issues that affect your swallowing or sense of taste and smell. If you're currently following a specific weight-loss programme (like Slimming World) or if you smoke (or have smoked in the last three months), you also can't participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you live in the South of England and can travel to Bournemouth University?
Do you think you eat more 'free sugars' than average?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have conditions like diabetes or have an eating disorder?
Are you currently on a specific weight-loss programme or smoke?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will receive specific dietary advice aimed at reducing your 'free sugar' intake, as determined by a randomised group you are placed into. You will need to attend appointments at Bournemouth University for assessments. These will involve checking your diet, body measurements, and how you perceive different tastes. You will be asked to follow the dietary advice for a period of 12 weeks. The exact number of visits and their frequency would be fully explained to you before you agree to take part. The study does not involve taking any medication.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help you learn more about your diet and potentially improve your eating habits, specifically by reducing 'free sugars', which could have long-term health benefits. While there are no known major risks, changing your diet can sometimes feel challenging. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Bournemouth University
Verified postcode
Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are 'free sugars'?

Free sugars are sugars added to food and drink, and those naturally found in honey, syrups, and fruit juice, but not the sugars in whole fruits or milk.

Will I have to follow a strict diet?

You'll receive specific dietary advice aimed at reducing your free sugar intake, and we'll ask you to try and follow it for 12 weeks.

How long does the study last?

The main part of the study involves following dietary advice for 12 weeks, with observations taken at the beginning and end.

Do I have to live in Dorset to join?

Yes, you need to live in the South of England and be able to attend appointments at Bournemouth University.

What if I decide to stop taking part?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.