USDA Recommends “Avoid Added Sugars” For Children Under 2

Consuming too much sugar can lead to lifelong health problems that include nutrition deficiencies. According to USDA Guidelines, there is no room in an infant or toddler’s diet for added sugar because of the importance of every bite to meet their high nutrition requirements relative to the amount of food they consume. 

Health impacts of consuming too much sugar

As stated above, kids are not allowed to consume too much sugar in any form. Learn why according to new USDA guidelines, sugar must not be consumed in large quantities. Some of them are discussed below.

• Obesity

Consuming too much sugar puts children at risk of obesity and carrying obesity related problems. Each gram of sugar contains certain calories and if children are consuming too much sugar, it means they are taking too many calories from sugar which is not good for their body. As per study published in Feb 2001 in the issue of Lancet, “Each additional serving of a sugar-sweetened drink increased the risk of obesity by 1.60 percent”.

• Tooth Cavities

Excessive intake of sugar can cause tooth decay which is considered as the most chronic childhood disease in America, as per American Dental Association. Every time when certain bacteria reach the mouth of your children and contact with the sugar inside, they produce an acid which attacks the teeth for approximately 20 minutes. Consuming too many sugarcan lead to tooth related diseases for your child.

• Meager Nutrition

Sugar contains calories but no nutrients. Having sugary drinks and candies takes out the chance of nutritious food in your children which is necessary for their growth and nourishment. Too few calories can lead to nutrition deficiencies and affects your kid’s ability to fend off illnesses. 

• Suppressed immune system

Added sugar can suppress your child’s immune system and its ability to fight against diseases. In this way, your kid is more vulnerable to illness and diseases such as cold, flu, cough, etc.

How to reduce sugar intake in kids

• Eliminate or drastically reduce the consumption of sugar drinks. Even manufacturers of fruit juices add sugar to their products. So, it is advisable to reduce sugar drinks to prevent your children from diseases.
• Serve more vegetables and fruits to your children. It is recommended to provide them 3 – 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Whole fruits and vegetables contain minerals, water and fibers which prove to be very fruitful for the growth of kids.
• Food must be cooked at home and restaurant visits must be constrained. The more you cook at home for your family, the more you have control over the food you eat. Restaurants often add sugar as an ingredient to their food items.
• You should recommend your kid to eat healthful dishes. As children adopt what they see from adults, it is vital that parents make healthy choices.