Beware of sugar at a very young age!

Almost everyone likes sweet, even young children. That's why it's important for parents to consider how much added sugar they offer to their sapling.

Pediatrician Ulrich Fegeler points out that children under two years of age should not consume added sugar in any way. It refers to sugar that is added to foods and beverages beyond that which they naturally contain. This means that if a young child is hungry, it is better to offer him a piece of apple than a chocolate cookie.

The sweet tooth develops very early

“According to studies, early childhood has a great influence on food preferences that will be had later,” says Fegeler, a member of the expert panel of the Professional Association of Pediatrics and Adolescents of Germany (BVKJ).

These tastes are then very difficult to modify. If children learn to know different tastes from the beginning of their feeding, they will also be more likely to accept foods that taste sour or bitter.

These preferences can be decisive for health over the course of their lives. Because those who consume too much sugar, Fegeler warns, are at high risk of overweight, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer and tooth decay.

A teaspoon of tea as a measure

But how do parents find the exact measure if from time to time they want to give a sweet treat to their child? Two- and three-year-olds should consume a maximum of four teaspoons (16 grams) of added sugar per day. Those between four and six years old, a maximum of five teaspoons of tea (20 grams).

dpa