Tag: Extrinsic sugar

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the definition of "free sugars"—which includes non-milk extrinsic sugars (NMES)—covers sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. This means that despite its natural origin, honey is classified as an extrinsic sugar because it is not contained within the cell structure of whole foods like fruits and vegetables.

According to the UK's Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA), lactose is not classified as an intrinsic sugar, but rather an extrinsic one, despite being naturally present in milk. This distinction, often confusing to many, plays a critical role in how nutritional bodies recommend dietary guidelines for sugar intake. Understanding this classification is key for informed dietary choices, especially for those managing sugar intake or navigating food labels.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive consumption of "free sugars" is linked to obesity and tooth decay. So, what is not an intrinsic sugar and why is distinguishing it from healthier intrinsic varieties crucial for your dietary health?