Dietary Recommendations for Reducing Free Sugar Intakes

The primary objective of this randomised control trial is to assess the impacts of Public Health England's (PHE) current free sugar reducing advice, for reducing total energy intakes (TEI) of free sugar. A total of 240 participants (age 18-65years) consuming diets >5% total energy intake from dietary free sugars will be recruited from across the Dorset region. Participants to be randomly assigned into the following recommendation interventions groups: 1) Reduce free sugar intake to <5% TEI (nutrient-based recommendations); 2) Reduce free sugar intake to <5% TEI, via reducing intake of specific foods identified as high in free sugars (nutrient- + food-based recommendations); 3) Reduce free sugar intake to <5% TEI, via reducing intake of specific foods identified as high in free sugars and replace/swap with low sugar versions (nutrient- + food-based recommendations with swaps); and 4) Control Group. The primary outcome will be changes in free sugar consumption from baseline to endpoint at week 12. Secondary outcomes include change in: BMI; dietary profiles; sweetness preference; sweetness liking; food choices; low calorie sweetener intakes and adherence levels.

Inclusion criteria

• aged 18-65 years;
• able to provide consent and complete all study materials;
• consuming >5% of TEI from free sugars; and
• residing in the South of England.

Exclusion criteria

• individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• underweight (BMI <18.5);
• have pre-existing medical conditions affecting swallow ability, taste and smell perception;
• currently or within 3 months of starting the study are following a specific dietary programme (e.g.: Slimming World);
• current smokers or have smoked within 3 months of the study start date;
• have pre-existing clinical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, eating disorders, Crohn's disease and other illness's leading to participants receiving external nutritional advice and dietary restrictions.