Today, parents are more aware than ever of the dangers of too much sugar in their children’s diets. Added sugars provide no nutritional benefit and can lead to a variety of health risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 2-18 years of age have a maximum of 6 teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar per day. That’s less sugar than one soda usually contains. There seems to be mixed sentiments among generations though when it comes to kids eating sugary foods. Boomers and Gen X tend to believe that sugar is okay for kids. Millennial parents however are increasingly against sugar. Here we’ll give you the knowledge to make informed decisions about the risks of children eating sugar.
1. Weight Gain
Many studies have linked high sugar intake with obesity. Especially processed sugar puts your child at risk of obesity. Eating processed sugar often means more empty calories which leads to weight gain. According to research by Cureus, over the previous few years, childhood obesity rates have risen globally. Obesity is defined as an accumulation of adipose tissue that is of sufficient magnitude to impair health. Obesity can affect children well into adulthood. For example, overweight children are more likely to develop obesity as they get older. Additionally, children who are overweight struggle with physical exercise.
2. Diabetes Risk
Too much sugar can put your child at risk for type 2 diabetes. Obesity is the most potent risk factor, accounting for 80-85% of the total risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to Action on Sugar, too much sugar can cause insulin receptors to become desensitized and as a result, no longer respond to insulin; or, due to the beta cells of the pancreas no longer producing insulin. Of course, sugar intake is not the only cause of type 2 diabetes. Your child’s risk factor can be increased due to ethnicity, certain health conditions and medications, and genetics.
3. Oral Health
Sugar can negatively impact your child’s oral health. Sugar interacts within your plaque to produce acid. This acid causes tooth decay and the wearing away of tooth enamel. These holes can then cause cavities. Everyone is at risk of tooth decay, but children are at the highest risk.
4. Affects Focus
Sugar can negatively affect a kid’s focus. Sugar can provide a short burst of energy that doesn’t last very long. After sugar levels drop about 20 minutes later, your child may feel unfocused. Eating too much sugar can also lead to brain fog. Healthy sugars found in whole foods are better for your brain health.
5. Impacts on Mood
Although there isn’t strong evidence to support it, many parents associate sugar with changes in mood in their children. Some parents believe that it is linked to moodiness and irritability. This could be true if there are rapid fluctuations in blood sugar. Bad behavior though is probably not caused by sugar.
6. Heart Disease
Drinking or eating too much sugar can raise your blood pressure. This is a known risk factor for heart disease. According to The NIH, “strong evidence supports the association of added sugars with increased cardiovascular disease risk in children through increased energy intake, increased adiposity, and dyslipidemia.”
7. Hooked on Sweets
The problem with sugar is that it’s addictive. It lights up all the pleasure centers in our brains and makes us want more. Especially young kids aren’t able to regulate how much sugar they consume, so it’s important for parents to keep an eye on sugar intake.
8. Sugar Highs
A common misconception is that too much sugar can make you jittery. This idea was first introduced by medical professionals in 1922. It especially gained public attention in 1975 when many doctors agreed with the theory. However, a 1994 study found that sugar does not affect children’s behavior.
9. Impacts on Learning and Memory
Not a lot is known about how sugary foods can affect a child’s brain development. New research led by a University of Georgia faculty member in collaboration with a University of Southern California research group has shown in rodents that daily consumption of sugary beverages during adolescence impairs performance on learning and memory in adulthood. This may be linked to changes in the gut bacteria from the sugar. While further research is needed, it’s a good indicator that sugar can have an impact on development.
10. Sluggishness
Drops in blood sugar from eating sugary foods can lead to kids feeling sluggish. This tiredness is due to the simple carbs found in sugar to break down quickly. Then a lot of glucose enters your bloodstream at once. Your body then releases insulin due to the spike. The drop in sugar can lead you to crash quickly.
How Much Sugar Is Appropriate?
Giving your children sugar is a personal decision. Everything in moderation is a good approach. If you follow the recommended guidelines for your child’s age regarding sugar intake, it will be beneficial for your child. If you do decide that sugary food isn’t for your child, you’re entirely justified because the risks of sugar intake are very real!