CHILDHOOD sugar consumption has hit an alarming high, with one-
in-six Queensland kids drinking at least one sugar-sweetened
beverage every day. The 2012 Queensland Chief Health Officer's
report revealed 16% of children aged 5-17 years consumed non-
diet soft drink and non-diet flavoured drinks daily. The
prevalence of daily non-diet soft drink consumption also
increased with age. Cancer Council Queensland, Diabetes
Queensland and the Heart Foundation have recommended adults and
children limit their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages,
and instead drink water or unflavoured low-fat milk. Consumption
of sugar-sweetened beverages (including soft drinks, energy
drinks, fruit drink, cordial and sports drinks) is associated
with serious health issues including weight gain and obesity,
which can lead to some cancers, type 2 diabetes and heart
problems. Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson, Katie Clift,
said one can of soft drink contained up to 10 teaspoons of sugar
- far more than most people would believe. "