According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which statement best describes recommendations about sugar intake?

• A. Sugar intake is not addressed by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, so there are no recommendations to limit it.
• B. All sugars, including naturally occurring sugars in fruits and milk, should be completely eliminated from the diet.
• C. Added sugars should provide at least 25% of total daily calories to support energy needs.
• D. Added sugars should be limited to less than 10% of total daily calories; they do not need to be completely eliminated.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide evidence-based recommendations to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases through diet.
2. Recognize that the guidelines differentiate between naturally occurring sugars (found in fruits and milk) and added sugars (those added during processing or preparation).
3. Know that the guidelines recommend limiting added sugars rather than eliminating all sugars, as naturally occurring sugars come with essential nutrients.
4. Recall the specific recommendation that added sugars should be limited to less than 10% of total daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced and healthy diet.
5. Conclude that the best description is that added sugars should be limited to less than 10% of total daily calories, without the need to completely eliminate them.