Be careful, excess sugar can interfere with the development of children

TEHNOLOGI69 - Food or snacks for children tend to have a sweet taste, even though sugar consumption in children needs to be limited. Excess sugar intake in children can hurt health, including affecting their growth and development.

Without realizing it, many foods and drinks consumed by children contain high levels of sugar. For example, packaged fruit juices, biscuits, candy, cakes, soft drinks, to ketchup. Besides, the sugar content in milk for children also needs to be considered, especially packaged milk which has various types of artificial flavorings. Parents should give milk without or low sugar to avoid the bad effects of excess sugar on children.

Impact of Excess Sugar on Children

Actually, sugar is a source of energy that the body needs. However, in excess levels, sugar can actually backfire and can endanger children's health. The health risk also increases, if the habit of consuming excess sugar is allowed to mature.

Here are some of the dangers of excess sugar intake in children that can occur:

• Tooth decay
  When foods that contain sugar stick to teeth, tooth decay can occur. Especially if your little one is not used to cleaning their teeth regularly, properly, and correctly.
• Experiencing obesity
  Based on a study, 8 out of 100 children in Indonesia are obese. The causes of obesity in children can vary, from lack of physical activity to eating unhealthy habits, including excessive sugar consumption. In the long term, obesity can lead to heart disease, cholesterol, and high blood pressure, bone disorders, and mental disorders, such as being more prone to stress and lack of confidence.
• Suffering from diabetes
  Not only increases the risk of obesity, but excessive sugar consumption in children can also increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Besides, excessive sugar intake is also said to cause a sugar rush in children. However, this still needs further investigation.

How to Limit the Portion of Sugar in Children

Parents need to know the portion of sugar that is safe for children. Children aged 2-18 years are only allowed to get less than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day. Sugar consumption should be no more than 10% of total calories each day.

It is advisable to get children into the habit of consuming various sources of carbohydrates that contain natural sugars, such as vegetables, fruit, and milk. However, milk should also be given with caution to children.

To prevent the bad effects of excess sugar intake on children, parents can give milk 0% sucrose or sugar-free. Besides, parents must also pay attention to the nutritional content in the milk given to their little one. For example, children aged 1-3 years, need to be given growth milk with complete nutrition to support their growth and development.

Apart from being free of sugar, it is important to choose milk that contains various nutrients that can support your little one's growth, such as:

• DHA
  When choosing milk for children, choose milk that contains DHA. Because the content of DHA can help the development of the brain and cognitive abilities of children properly.
• B eta glucan
  content of beta-glucan found in milk can increase the child's immune system.
• V vitamin B complex
  milk containing the growth of various types of vitamin B, from B2, B3, B3, B6, B12 up, bringing a wide range of health benefits for children. Apart from increasing the body's metabolic system, these vitamins are also good for the health of the nerves and blood circulation system.
• Prebiotics Prebiotics
  such as PDX-GOS in milk are important for maintaining the health of your little one's digestive tract. Prebiotics are a source of nutrition for good bacteria indigestion. 
• Zinc
  Choose milk containing zinc which is needed in growing children. Inadequate zinc intake inhibits children's growth and leads to underweight.

Parents need to pay attention to adequate sugar intake in children. However, avoid excessive sugar intake so as not to interfere with growth and development. Also, teach children to eat foods with balanced nutrition, exercise regularly, and get adequate rest. If necessary, consult your pediatrician to get the right recommendations to meet the nutritional needs of children.