Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Why might "added sugars" be specifically listed on a nutritional label?

1. To indicate the total weight of the product

2. To help consumers monitor their sugar intake

3. To differentiate between artificial and natural sugars

4. To compare the sweetness level among different products

The correct answer is: To help consumers monitor their sugar intake

Listing "added sugars" on a nutritional label serves a vital role in helping consumers monitor their sugar intake. Understanding the amount of added sugars in a product is crucial for making informed dietary choices, especially as excess sugar consumption is linked with various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. By clearly indicating the amount of added sugars, consumers can better assess their overall dietary patterns, allowing them to distinguish between naturally occurring sugars (found in fruits and dairy) and those that have been added during processing. This transparency is particularly beneficial for individuals who are trying to reduce their sugar consumption for health reasons. The other options do not align with the primary purpose behind the labeling of added sugars. Indicating total weight does not specifically pertain to sugar content nor does it provide specific health-related insights. Differentiating between artificial and natural sugars is also not the intention of this labeling; it is focused solely on the amount of sugars added during processing. While comparing sweetness levels among products might be useful, that’s not the primary purpose of including added sugars in nutritional labeling—it is about health and monitoring intake.