Free sugar intake and dietary sources among adult population in Brunei: The national health and nutritional status survey

High sugar consumption is associated with increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. This study identifies the dietary sources of free sugars and explores association of sugar intake with related factors among adult population in Brunei. Data from the National Health and Nutritional Status Survey 2010, of 1559 adult residents of Brunei, aged 18–75 years, were extracted and analyzed. The results revealed that mean daily free sugar intake was 55.5 g/day (standard deviation [SD] -51.4), contributing to 14.5% of total energy intake. The prevalence of free sugar intake of <10% and 5% among the adult population was 60.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.6, 62.5) and 82.6% (95% CI: 80.6, 84.4), respectively. Free sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages was sourced from beverages prepared with sugar (17.9%), cordial and syrup (15.1%), and carbonated drinks (14.6%). Free sugar consumption was significantly higher in men (66.6 g/day, SD – 61.2) than women (46.2 g/day, SD – 39.1) (P < 0.001). Younger participants had significantly higher free sugar intake and percentage of energy from free sugar compared to older participants. This study provides justification for addressing sugar intake as a component of strengthening nutrition policy in Brunei.