How many grams of sugar should an adult have per day?

The recommended daily sugar intake allowance is 5 teaspoons, or 80 calories, for an adult female and 9 teaspoons, or 144 calories, for an adult male, according to the American Heart Association. The organization bases these recommended amounts on a daily energy expenditure of 1800 calories and 2200 calories, respectively.

The AHA's recommendations suggest limiting intake of beverages and foods with added sugars in particular. Added sugars include sugars and syrups commonly added to processed foods. Added sugars found in sweetened beverages have high sugar calories but only transmit weak signals of satiety, the AHA states, and can lead to increased risk of obesity.