The little ones eat too much sugar

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 11. 08. 10:56

With the holiday season approaching, many children’s consumption of sweets increases significantly, but a recent study warns that it is worthwhile to moderate the consumption of sugar. According to research published in the journal Science and shared by Pénzcentrum, limiting sugar intake from the time of conception until the age of two can significantly reduce the risk of later chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

In the research, the scientists analyzed health data before and after the end of sugar rationing introduced in the United Kingdom during the Second World War. Looking at health data from UK Biobank on 60,000 people born between 1951 and 1956, they found that children born during the restricted sugar period were 35% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and had a 20% reduced risk of high blood pressure . The chance of obesity also decreased by 30% for these children.

Dr. Mark Corkins, chief of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, pointed out that people “have a sweet taste from the moment they are born.” However, excessive sugar consumption can quickly damage the metabolism, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and diabetes in the long term. According to the US Dietary Guidelines, the daily sugar intake of people over the age of 2 should be limited to less than 10% of total calories, but in reality consumption is much higher.

According to the lead author of the study, Tadeja Gracner, not only parents’ nutritional awareness, but also companies’ responsibility are needed to deal with the problem, since children are often targeted with advertisements for sugary sweets. According to the research, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in particular consume too much added sugar – on average three times the recommended amount, which exceeds 80 grams per day.

According to experts, one of the effective ways to reduce sugar consumption in young children is for parents to change their own eating habits. Dr. Corkins emphasizes, “Kids follow what their parents eat. If parents choose healthy alternatives to sugary drinks and sweets, it can have a positive effect on children’s health in the long term.”