The Claim
Free sugar intake from solid foods exhibits a U-shaped association with cardiovascular disease risk, with the lowest risk at 7% of total energy intake and increased risk at both lower and higher intakes.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Consuming too much or too little free sugar from solid foods is linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with the lowest risk occurring when free sugar makes up 7% of total daily energy intake.
See the scientific wording
Free sugar intake from solid foods exhibits a U-shaped association with cardiovascular disease risk, with the lowest risk at 7% of total energy intake and increased risk at both lower and higher intakes, indicating that both excessive and very low consumption may be harmful.
When sugar intake is around 7% of daily calories, the liver processes it efficiently without building up fat or causing insulin resistance. Too little sugar forces the body to break down fat for energy, which increases harmful blood fats and inflammation. Too much sugar overloads the liver, making it produce excess fat and insulin resistance, which damages blood vessels and raises heart disease risk.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that eating a moderate amount of sugar in foods like cakes or cereals (about 7% of daily calories) is linked to the lowest heart disease risk — eating much more or much less sugar from these foods was linked to higher risk.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.