The Appropriate Amount of Sugar per Day for Children: Recommendations and Tips for Parents

12:10 pm

Friday 02 June 2023

Books – Karim Hassan

The food choices mothers make for their children can affect their weight and health throughout their lives, and one of the most important criteria for a healthy diet for children is to monitor their daily sugar intake.

In the following lines, the “Consulto” explains the appropriate amount of sugar for children per day, according to the “Live Strong” website.

What is the appropriate amount of sugar per day for children?

Nutrition experts advise moms to keep young children eating 25 grams of sugar — or 100 calories — of added sugar over the course of the day.

Also read: Treatment of gastroenteritis for children with herbs – is this possible?

Sugar intake recommendations for young children

The American Academy of Pediatrics defines a young child as someone between 1 and 3 years old, and although the Dietary Guidelines for Americans don’t make recommendations for infants and children, the American Heart Association advises that children under age 2 consume no added sugar at all.

The American Heart Association also recommends that all children ages 2 to 18 limit their intake of added sugar to 25 grams per day, which equates to 6 teaspoons of sugar, or 100 calories. Following this guide helps prevent health problems for young children. Such as obesity and risk factors for heart disease.

When choosing foods for young children, pay particular attention to the sugar content of fruit drinks and soft drinks, baked goods, frozen desserts and yogurts with added fruit and flavors.

Pay attention to the label of food products to see the total added sugar they contain, which helps to know your child’s daily intake of sugar. You should check the ingredients list for words such as corn syrup, corn sweetener, fruit juice concentrate, and any name ending in “-ose”. They all refer to added sugar.

You must ensure that your toddler gets most of his daily calories from whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and other foods that provide him with beneficial nutrients.

You may be interested in: Strengthen his immunity- 10 foods that are beneficial for your child’s health