Extrait

Background and study aims Sugar-sweetened drinks are a major source of sugar intake in children and adults, and contribute to obesity and its associated illnesses. A neglected and underestimated source of sugar intake is the widespread and frequent drinking of hot beverages such as sweetened teas and flavoured coffees. Many young adults and adults are consumers of hot drinks such as tea, and these are often sweetened with sugar. Drinks high in sugar are highly palatable and people find it hard to decrease their intake. Evidence from studies in children suggests that preferences for foods and drinks can be changed by repeated taste exposure. Exposure to a taste increases familiarity and acceptance of the flavour, which eventually leads to changes in drinking habits. Reducing sugar and sweetener consumption may therefore reduce preferred sweetness levels. The aim of this study is to find out whether gradually reducing or immediately stopping adding sugar to tea increases young adults’ liking for unsweetened tea. Who can participate? Students aged over 18 at University College London What does the study involve? Participants complete an online questionnaire and are randomly allocated to one of three groups. The first group are told to gradually reduce the sugar they add to their tea over 31 days. The second group are told to completely stop adding sugar to their tea from day 1 of the 31 days. The third (control) group are told to maintain their usual tea sweetness levels for the first 4 weeks, after which they are randomly allocated to either gradually or completely stop adding sugar. Participants are sent a study pack containing information sheets, a booklet and a tailored plan based on data collected in the questionnaire (e.g. number of cups of tea they consume on an average week day and on an average weekend day, the average size of each cup of tea, and the average amount of sugar added to each cup). Participants are sent clear instructions on how to complete the regular data collection schedule and receive a calendar to remind them of the schedule to keep track of their progress. Daily tea consumption, liking of the reduced sweetness level of their tea, reduction of grams of sugar per cup of tea/per day, and the acceptability of the intervention are all measured using a mobile phone application which sends daily reminders to complete a short questionnaire. Participants also receive a booklet with tips and techniques and the researchers’ contact details should they require further information. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants will receive a guidance booklet that will instruct them on how to cut out sugar from their tea. All participants will also be given access to a free app to track their sugar intake from sugar in hot drinks. Participation is rewarded with a £10 Amazon voucher. No risks are expected for participants completing this study. Where is the study run from? University College London (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? December 2016 to April 2017 Who is funding the study? Medical Research Council (UK) Who is the main contact? Andrea Smith [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Adolescent nutrition

Liens

• isrctn