Reasons why children under 2 should not eat sugar

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Children under two years of age should not consume foods or beverages with added sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA ) point out that the consumption of added sugar has negative consequences for the health of children.

The problem is not the sugars that are found naturally in food as it happens with fruits and dairy products. It is natural or artificial added sugars that should be eliminated or limited in the diet of young children.

Many foods or beverages have additional sugar and syrups added when processed or prepared. These can be natural sugars, such as honey, or artificial sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup.

There are many products on the market that are promoted for children and contain added sugar. Yogurts, baby snacks, fruit drinks, and sweet products are the most common sources of added sugars in the diet of infants and young children.

The APP suggests opting for fresh products and limiting processed and packaged products. At home it is also not recommended to give honey to babies under 12 months due to risk of infant botulism.

Do not add sugar to baby food

Health experts recommend preparing foods for young children without adding sugar. Establishing healthy eating patterns at an early age can help children maintain a healthy weight and avoid chronic disease.

Nutritional and perinatal epidemiologist Lisa Bodnar points out that the diet since birth to 24 months determines long-term food preferences . “Children can learn to accept nutrient-dense bitter foods, such as vegetables, if they are offered repeatedly in early childhood.”

In addition, Bodnar explains through The Conversation that children under 24 months eat relatively small amounts and need to consume nutrient-dense foods and beverages , not fill up on sugar-laden products.

Negative effects of added sugar on children

Children with a high sugar intake are more likely to suffer negative effects on their health as they develop, such as childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease and dental cavities.

The AAP indicates that children who consume more than one 10% from his s daily calories from added sugars are more likely to have abnormal cholesterol levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The AAP notes that children under the age of two should not consume added sugar. Suggests that children two years and older consume less than 25 grams (approximately 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day.

Fruit juice should not be given to children under one year of age

Children should be served milk and water. The AAP recommends not giving fruit juice to children under one year of age and limit to no more than 4 ounces of juice 100% of fruit per day for children from 1 to 3 years old. Although it is natural sugar, juice has more sugar per serving than whole fruit. Instead of juices, pediatricians prefer that children consume the fruit.

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