Are you also feeding your children a lot of added sugar in the name of baby foods? Whereas health experts clearly say that small children should not be given sugar at all. According to a recent report, baby foods from leading food and beverage brand Nestlé have been found to contain added sugar in several parts of India, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, the products of the same brand sold in Europe did not contain sugar. Not only this, the amount of added sugar in the products sold in the Indian market is more than three grams, consumption of which can have serious side effects on the health of children.
In a report presented by the Swiss organization, Public Eye, in collaboration with the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), it has been said that many products given to children have been found to contain added sugar, which if consumed for a long time, can cause serious health problems. Health can be negatively affected in many ways.
Consuming sugary things in childhood can cause many problems ranging from obesity to metabolism, digestion, and brain-related problems.
Products with added sugar are harmful
Health experts say that during the processing of many food items, added sugar is added to them. There is a risk of increasing obesity due to its excessive consumption. Many studies have advised adults to stay away from foods high in added sugars. It can have many other side effects on children's health.
The Center has expressed strictness on the deficiencies found in the quality of baby products. CCPA has issued a notice to FSSAI following reports of excess sugar addition. Click here to read the full news
What are WHO's guidelines?
Public Eye reported that in many countries, baby foods with added sugar from these brands are allowed under national law, despite them being against World Health Organization guidelines. In 2015, World Health Organization guidelines recommended that adults and children should keep their daily sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy intake. Added sugar is a cause of many types of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and artery problems.
What can be its side effects on children's health?
A look at the new guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that children ages two to 18 should consume less than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of sugar per day. Children below two years of age should not be given sugar at all.
Sugar does not only mean sugar but also chocolate, candy, biscuits, or baby foods that contain added sugar. Children who consume excessive amounts of sugar or sweets may suffer from obesity, high blood pressure, and type-2 diabetes. Studies have also found sugary foods to increase the risk of heart disease in children and adults.
Brain chemicals may go wrong
Health experts said that due to excessive consumption of sugary foods, children are at risk of developing many types of brain-related disorders. Our brain has its chemical balance. Researchers said that low-quality or unbalanced diets such as highly processed foods, and excessive consumption of sugary things can disturb the chemical balance of the brain. Added sugar puts the brain into overdrive mode. When the brain is overstimulated, it can cause hyperactivity and mood swings. Due to this, there is a risk of irritability, mood disorders, anxiety, and mental development being affected in children.
(PC: ISTOCK)
