Sugars

Glucose, fructose, lactose…

What does Sugars do in your body?

Small carbohydrates. Naturally in fruit and milk; 'added sugars' are put in during processing or cooking.

What does Sugars do?

Quick energy. The body handles sugar in whole fruit differently from sugary drinks because fiber and the food structure slow absorption.

Which foods contain Sugars?

Fruit, milk, honey, table sugar, syrups, sweetened drinks.

What is known and unknown about Sugars?

Harm is linked mainly to added and free sugars, not sugars in whole fruit and milk.

Evidence & sources

• WHO's free sugars recommendation does not apply to sugars naturally present in intact fruits, vegetables and milk. Evidence: regulatory. Known: No reported evidence of harm from these sugars. Unknown: — Source: World Health Organization, Guideline: Sugars intake for adults and children (2015).

Connected topics

• Carbohydrate
• Added Sugars
• Lactose
• Blood Sugar Regulation
• Teeth & Enamel
• Juice vs Whole Fruit

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.