Limiting sugar consumption in children

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Extract from the article: Cakes, cookies, candy, syrup: children as young as 4 years old, and even younger, consume far too much sugar. Children aged 4-7, 8-12, and 13-17 consume too much sugar. These excessive intakes are “worrying” because it is during childhood and adol...

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Cakes, cookies, candy, syrup: children as young as 4 years old, and even younger, consume far too much sugar. Children aged 4-7, 8-12, and 13-17 consume too much sugar. These excessive intakes are « worrying » because it is during childhood and adolescence that good or bad eating habits are acquired, which are likely to be maintained into adulthood and promote obesity and diabetes.

Children need to reduce their sugar intake

Sugar does not affect children's behavior. It could simply be the result of the environment in which the food is consumed, which makes children more excited. However, sugar increases their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. By reducing the amount of sugar consumed by a child for 9 days, these levels return to normal. Be careful with sugar, which damages the brain.

Limit sugary drinks, including fruit juices, and pastries, cookies, and cakes, which are too common, especially at snack time. Dairy products, including wagashi, fresh fruit, nuts, and water are good substitutes. For natural fruit juices, the maximum is one glass per day, and not every day. Making your own juice allows you to be aware of the amount of sugar you are consuming. Otherwise, it is advisable to reduce the “added sugars” in industrial products hidden in breakfast cereals, compotes, and certain dairy products. Please note: some products labeled « no added sugar » may actually contain naturally sweetened ingredients, which can ultimately provide more sugar than you might think.

Adult behavior is important

Parents' behavior plays a very important role in their child's current and future eating habits. Children observe what others are eating, and parents can encourage them to try new foods without forcing them. Distractions that divert children's attention from their plates, such as television, cell phones, or tablets in the hands of parents or even the children themselves, should be avoided. Breastfeeding is the ideal food for children under 59 months of age.

Elom AKAKPO

Article validated by Dissirama Tabago, Nutrition and Food Safety Engineer at the Nutritional Recovery Unit at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital (Lomé)