The World Health Organization recommends no added sugars for infants under 6 months and limiting intake to less than 2% of daily energy intake for children aged 6-24 months. Parents and caregivers should prioritize nutrient-dense options and carefully read labels to avoid added sugar in infant food.
Here are 10 Reasons Why Added Sugar in Infant Food Should be Avoided
Interferes with Nutrient Absorption:
High consumption of added sugars can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, including minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are critical for bone health and overall development.
Developing Taste Preferences:
Introducing added sugars early can shape a child’s taste preferences, leading to a lifelong preference for sweet tastes and potentially contributing to overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks. (Source)
Nutrient Imbalance:
Added sugars displace essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in the diet, leading to an imbalanced nutritional intake and potential deficiencies in key nutrients crucial for growth and development. (Source)
Digestive Issues:
Infants’ developing gut microbiome may struggle to process added sugars, which can lead to digestive problems such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea. (Source)
Increased Risk of Obesity and Chronic Diseases:
Consuming added sugars in infancy and childhood is associated with a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems later in life.
Affects Dental Health:
Consuming added sugars can contribute to tooth decay and other dental health issues, even in infants and young children with emerging teeth.
Impact on Gut Health
Added sugars in baby food can potentially affect baby’s immune system function and metabolic health – disturbing the equilibrium of valuable bacteria in the gut microbiome
Potential Link to Allergies and Intolerances
Early exposure to added sugars may increase the risk of developing allergies or intolerances, particularly to common allergens like dairy or gluten. (Reference)
Sets Unhealthy Habits:
Introducing added sugars early in life can establish unhealthy eating habits and preferences, contributing to a lifelong struggle with sugar cravings and overconsumption of sugary foods. (Reference)
Also Read: Shocking Truth! Nestle Baby Food Cerelac Contains Added Sugar
The Impact of Sugar Before Age 2
Studies indicate that nearly half of 7- to 8-month-old babies have already been exposed to desserts or sweetened drinks. While it may seem harmless to offer a bit of sugar at such a young age, early exposure to sweets can significantly influence your child’s taste preferences. This critical period is an ideal opportunity to introduce a variety of healthy foods to shape their palate towards nutritious choices.
When sweet drinks and foods are constantly available to infants, they tend to develop a preference for these sugary options, leaving less room in their tiny stomachs for essential nutrients.
Concerned that your child will miss out on delicious foods if you limit added sugars?
Consider this: until they’re introduced to sugary foods and drinks, babies and toddlers don’t know what they’re missing. If your child has already developed a taste for sweets, don’t worry—it’s never too late to reduce their intake and encourage healthier eating habits.
By minimizing added sugars in your child’s diet, you can support their overall health and encourage a preference for nutritious foods that will benefit them as they grow.
Remember, choosing nutrient-dense foods and beverages and avoiding added sugars in infant food is essential for promoting healthy growth, development, and lifelong health habits. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods and reading food labels carefully can help parents and caregivers make informed choices to support optimal nutrition for infants and young children.
Also Read: How to Boost Your Baby’s Brain Development
