Simple Sugars and Disease

There is no direct evidence that the consumption of simple sugars naturally present in food is harmful. Contrary to folklore, diets high in sucrose do not lead to diabetes or hypoglycemia. Also contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not inherently fattening. They yield 4 kcal/g (the same as protein and less than one half that of fat) and result in fat synthesis only when consumed in excess of the body’s energy needs. However, there is an association between sucrose consumption and dental caries, particularly in the absence of fluoride treatment .