Madeleine Hull
Sugar is a common ingredient in many foods and drinks, and while it can add sweetness and flavour, it is important to consider the amount of sugar in a baby's diet. Research has shown that consuming too much sugar during infancy and early childhood can have negative health effects, such as an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes later in life. Additionally, excessive sugar intake can lead to tooth decay as early as the toddler years. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that babies and toddlers under the age of two consume little to no added sugar, with natural sugars from fruits, dairy, and certain grains being a healthier alternative.
Do babies need sugar in their diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended sugar intake for babies | No added sugar for babies under 2 years old |
| Recommended sugar intake for children 12-24 months old | Little to no added sugar |
| Natural sugars | Sugars found in fruits, vegetables, milk, honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies and purees |
| Free sugars | Sugars added to food or drinks |
| Health consequences of diets high in added sugars | Childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes |
| Sources of added sugars in infants' diets | Yogurt, baby snacks, fruit drinks, desserts, sweet bakery products |
| Tips for reducing sugar intake | Check nutrition labels, be aware of different names for added sugars, offer children bitter foods like vegetables repeatedly |
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What You'll Learn
Babies under two should have no added sugar
Babies are born with a preference for sweet foods, but giving them sugary treats can set them up with a sweet tooth that's hard to quit later. According to the NHS, sugars should not be added to food or drinks given to babies. This is because there is a link between babies who consume a lot of sugar and chronic health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes as adults. They may also run into more problems with tooth decay, even as early as their toddler years.
US nutrition experts recommend that babies under two should have no added sugar at all. This means holding off on regularly offering them things like fruit juices, cookies, cakes, ice cream, candy, jams, and snack bars. The reason, experts say, is that every bite counts in terms of shaping your baby's long-term health and taste preferences. Sugary snacks and drinks should not take the place of other, more nutrient-rich foods your baby needs for healthy development.
Breast milk contains healthy micronutrients important to a baby's development, and research has shown that being breastfed may reduce the risk of overweight or obesity, type 1 diabetes, and asthma, compared to never being breastfed. The committee also found that rapid weight gain was more likely among formula-fed infants, possibly due to higher protein intake or overfeeding.
It is important to be aware of the different names for sugar. Added sugars go by many names, such as high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, cane sugar, corn sweetener, lactose, glucose, sucrose, and maple syrup. Sugar is often lurking in packaged or store-made foods, so it is important to check the ingredient list.
It can be challenging to reduce added sugar, especially with the prevalence of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores. It is important to remember that it is normal to fall off a healthy habit, and the important thing is to get back on track and try again.
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Breast milk is best
Breast milk is often referred to as the "perfect food" for a baby. It contains the right balance of nutrients, including sugar (carbohydrates), protein, and fat, which are easily absorbed and used by the baby's immature body systems. Breast milk is also gentle on the baby's developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems, reducing the risk of diarrhea and constipation.
Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition for infants and provides several health benefits. Studies have shown that breastfed babies tend to do better on intelligence tests when they grow older and have better eyesight, possibly due to certain types of fat present in breast milk. Breastfeeding is also associated with a reduced risk of obesity, type 1 diabetes, and asthma in children.
In addition to the health benefits for the baby, breastfeeding offers several advantages for mothers and families. Breast milk is always available and does not incur any cost, unlike formula, which can be expensive. Breastfeeding also introduces babies to different tastes through the mother's milk, making it easier for them to accept solid foods later on. Furthermore, breastfed babies tend to be healthier, resulting in fewer trips to the doctor and reduced medical expenses.
While breastfeeding is highly recommended, it is important to recognize that it may not be feasible for everyone due to various reasons. Some mothers may have health problems or be taking medications that make breastfeeding inadvisable. In such cases, formula feeding can be a suitable alternative, ensuring that the baby receives the necessary nutrition. It is important for parents to make informed decisions regarding their baby's feeding and consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
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Sugar in processed food
Processed foods are manufactured with the addition of salt, sugar, or other substances of culinary use to unprocessed or minimally processed foods. While not all processed foods are unhealthy, many ultra-processed foods are high in calories, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. Sugar is added to foods during processing or preparation, and they can be natural sugars, like honey, or artificial sweeteners, like high-fructose corn syrup.
Ultra-processed foods have been linked to an increased risk of health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Research has shown that children fed diets high in added sugars are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as they develop, including childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, and tooth decay.
It is important to be aware of the different names for sugar, as it can be listed under various names on food labels, such as high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, cane sugar, corn sweetener, lactose, glucose, sucrose, and maple syrup. Yogurt, baby snacks, fruit drinks, desserts, and sweet bakery products are common sources of added sugars in the diets of infants and toddlers.
To reduce sugar intake, it is recommended to check food labels and choose processed foods with lower amounts of added sugars. Additionally, gradually incorporating healthy habits, such as offering children bitter but nutritious foods like vegetables, can help develop healthy diet patterns early in life.
While it may be challenging to reduce sugar intake, especially with the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods, small gradual changes can make a significant difference in overall health and well-being.
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Health consequences of sugar
Babies do not need sugar added to their food to grow and thrive. In fact, sugar can have several negative health consequences for babies and young children.
Firstly, a diet high in added sugars can lead to childhood obesity. Obesity is a condition with many complications, including diabetes. Research has shown that rapid weight gain is more likely among formula-fed infants, possibly due to their inability to regulate their feelings of "fullness" as well as breastfed infants.
Secondly, sugar can cause tooth decay. Regularly consuming excessive amounts of sugar can increase the risk of cavities as babies' teeth erupt.
Thirdly, sugar can negatively impact children's development. It can affect learning, memory, addictive tendencies, taste preference, appetite regulation, self-soothing, gut health, liver function, lung health, heart disease, and metabolism. For instance, exposure to fructose can alter the fate of developing cells, making them more likely to become fat cells.
Additionally, sugar can displace other nutritious foods in a child's diet. Filling up on sugary treats leaves less room for heart-healthy fare like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Finally, sugar can be difficult to avoid due to its prevalence in packaged and store-made foods. Food companies know infants prefer sweet tastes, so they sweeten infant formula and products intended for post-weaning. A recent analysis of 240 popular baby and toddler foods in the US showed that 100% of baby food desserts, 92% of fruit snacks, 86% of cereal bars, and 57% of teething biscuits and cookies contained more than 20% of their calories from sugar.
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Natural sugar vs added sugar
Babies should not be given added sugar, according to an advisory committee that creates dietary advice for children up to the age of 2. The recommended amount of added sugar for adults is 6% of daily calories, which is less than 120 calories for an adult consuming 2,000 calories per day. However, babies and toddlers have different nutritional requirements, and added sugars can have negative health consequences for them as they develop, including childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease, and tooth decay.
Natural sugars are found in fruits (fructose) and dairy products (lactose), while added sugars are any sugars or caloric sweeteners added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation, such as adding sugar to coffee or cereal. Added sugars include white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and chemically manufactured sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup. Unlike added sugars, natural sugars come with the bulk of the fruit, including the water and fibrous content, which makes them more difficult to consume in excess.
Natural sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolized much slower than added sugars because they are bound to fibre, which provides essential nutrients like vitamin C. The fibre in natural sugars also slows down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing a "sugar crash" caused by a rapid spike and drop in blood glucose levels, which can leave people feeling hungry, irritable, and craving more sugar.
Added sugars contribute extra calories without providing any additional nutrients. They can also stimulate the production of free fatty acids in the liver, which is a leading cause of inflammation. On the other hand, natural sugars found in whole foods like fruits and vegetables can help meet daily nutrient requirements and provide energy without the negative health consequences associated with added sugars.
It is important to note that sugar is not inherently harmful, and it is natural for humans to crave it because it helped our ancestors build fat stores and survive during times of food scarcity. However, it is crucial to prioritize whole foods and natural sources of sugar whenever possible, especially for infants and young children, to establish healthy dietary patterns early in life.
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Frequently asked questions
No, babies do not need sugar in their diet. In fact, it is recommended that babies under the age of 2 should consume no added sugar. This is because research has shown a link between sugar consumption in early development and chronic health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Added sugars can be found in many foods and drinks that are commonly given to infants and toddlers, such as yogurt, baby snacks, fruit drinks, desserts, and sweet bakery products. It is important to read nutrition labels and ingredient lists carefully to identify added sugars, which can be listed under various names such as high-fructose corn syrup, honey, or sucrose.
Instead of offering sugary treats, it is recommended to provide babies with nutrient-rich foods that are important for their healthy development. Babies can be introduced to bitter but nutritious foods like vegetables, which they may learn to accept if offered repeatedly. Water is also a healthier choice of beverage compared to fruit juices, even if they are 100% fruit juice.
