Is sugar detrimental to health? The impact of sugar varies among individuals; however, in some cases, the most effective approach may be to remove it entirely from one's diet, as suggested by Peter H. Diamandis, a physician, entrepreneur, and author who has advocated this perspective for several years.

Should you, therefore, discard your jar of chocolate mousse right away or forgo that slice of cheesecake you planned to enjoy after lunch? Not necessarily—this topic remains contentious. Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual globally, has also responded to Diamandis's assertions.

‘Eat sugar occasionally in small quantities’

He responded to Peter's recent tweet by stating, "Um no, cyanide and arsenic are poisons, while sugar is consumable. You won’t find a heap of corpses outside a candy shop, lmao. Nevertheless, sugar should be consumed sparingly and in limited amounts." Additionally, he remarked, “I eat a donut every day. Still alive,” in response to a 2023 anti-sugar tweet from Peter.

The primary message from Elon's recent tweet is that although sugar is not classified as a poison, its overconsumption can lead to adverse health effects. However, is this assertion accurate? The claim that 'sugar is poison' remains a contentious issue among health professionals and researchers. Continue reading to explore what scientific research reveals about both moderate and high sugar intake.

How much sugar is ok?

Elon Musk's remarks underscore the importance of engaging in a thoughtful dialogue regarding sugar intake. His assertion that moderation is essential in the context of sugar consumption may hold validity. The American Heart Association advises that women should restrict their daily intake of added sugars to a maximum of 25 grams (6 teaspoons), whereas men are encouraged to limit their consumption to no more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons) per day.

The importance of moderation

Moderate intake of sugar is unlikely to have a substantial effect on health. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises that both adults and children limit their daily caloric intake from free sugars—encompassing added sugars, as well as sugars derived from fruit juices, honey, and syrups—to below 10 per cent. 

Furthermore, the WHO suggests that reducing this figure to under 5 per cent could yield additional health advantages. For an average adult consuming a diet of 2,000 kcal, this 10 per cent threshold translates to a maximum of 50 grams of sugar daily, which is approximately equivalent to 10 teaspoons or 14 sugar cubes.

High sugar consumption and health risks

While sugar is not a poison in the classical sense, excessive consumption can have negative effects on health:

⦿ The World Health Organization's 2015 study was a review of 30 studies and found that consuming sugary beverages was associated with a higher risk of obesity in children and adults.

⦿ A University of California study in 2012 of 43,000 adults found that drinking sugary beverages daily increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 26 per cent.

⦿ Harvard School of Public Health's 2010 study had researchers analyse data from 100,000 women; they found that those who consumed more sugary beverages had a higher risk of heart disease.

⦿ In a 2018 University of Southern California study, researchers found that high sugar intake was associated with impaired cognitive function and memory in children.

⦿ A University of California study (2018) of 28 adults found that consuming a high-sugar diet led to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety.

⦿ The University of Michigan's 2019 study of 1,500 adults found that consuming a high-sugar diet was associated with an imbalance of the gut microbiome.

⦿ Researchers in a 2013 Yale University study found that consuming high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) led to increased obesity, insulin resistance, and triglyceride levels in mice.

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