How Much Sugar Should My Kids Have?
We all know children love sugar. Even adults are prone to indulging in
sweet treats like chocolate or soda and, in moderation, it is acceptable
to enjoy it now and then. What does moderation mean for kids, however,
and how much should they be allowed to have? According to the American
Heart Association, the answer to that question is less than 6 teaspoons
of added sugar per day. This is equivalent to about 25 grams of sugar
and 100 calories.
In addition to this daily intake recommendation, it is also advisable that
children and teens limit their consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks to
no more than 8 ounces weekly. Children under the age of 2 should not consume
any foods or beverages that contain added sugar.
Children who consume more than 25 grams of sugar per day throughout childhood
put them at a higher risk for developing heart disease, obesity, and elevated
blood pressure. They also tend to eat fewer healthy foods like vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, and other nutrient-rich options necessary for their
developing bodies. The more sugar children consume, the greater the increase
in health risks. For children who are overweight, the continued intake
of added sugar might make them more likely to be insulin resistant, which
is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
To help promote healthy habits for your children, limit the amount of added
sugar in their diets.
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This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.