What Are the Effects of Too Much Sugar Intake?

Corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, honey, maltose and molasses all refer to types of sugar, although dieters may equate the term "sugar" only with white granulated powder. Mayo Clinic reports that most Americans ingest at least 22 tsp. daily of added sugar, although the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 6 tsp. for women and 9 tsp. for men. Exceeding the recommended limits may result in obesity, tooth decay, high blood sugar, behavioral changes and increased triglycerides.

Obesity

• Added sugar may lead to weight gain. Although sugar may enhance the flavor of sodas, breakfast cereals, fruit drinks, condiments (such as ketchup), jams, jellies, yogurt, plus ice cream, cakes and other desserts, it also adds excess calories. After your body breaks down your food into glucose (a simple sugar), your liver may lack the space to store the excess. This excess sugar converts to fatty acids and later becomes stored as fat. According to a 2007 study in the Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Review, excess sugar intake may increase the number of opioid receptors or brain chemicals related to pleasurable feelings. These feelings, in turn, may encourage people to eat more sugar and thus gain more weight.

Tooth Decay

• All types of sugar encourage tooth decay. Both natural sugar (such as the fructose in fruit) and added sugars allow bacterial growth by producing acids that harm enamel and initiate tooth decay. Clearly, anyone with a high sugar diet needs effective oral hygiene, according to Mayo Clinic.

High Blood Sugar

• In Type 1 and 2 diabetes, excess sugar can lead to high blood sugar (glucose) levels. In Type 1 diabetes, for example, the pancreas produces little or no insulin; without sufficient insulin, the blood sugar level will rise, sometimes to dangerous levels. In turn, sustained high levels of blood sugar can result in serious damage to the kidneys, eyes and nerves, according to Mayo Clinic.

Behavior

• Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Review also states that administering sugar to rats resulted in behavioral changes that resemble problems with substance abuse and addiction. Researchers, hypothesizing a possible sugar addiction, measured the rats' bingeing, withdrawal and craving behaviors. Sugar may have similar effects upon humans.

Other Risks

• Those who skip nutritional food and drink may lack essential vitamins and minerals. For example, sugary soft drinks may often replace the nutrition of low-fat milk. According to Mayo Clinic, substantial amounts of added sugar can raise triglyceride levels, which, in turn, can increase chances of heart disease.