By Sara Durham, B.S.
On average, we eat about 125 pounds of sweetener a year, which is approximately 25 percent of our total daily caloric intake. In children's diets, most of the sugar comes from soda, candy and/or prepared foods that lists sugar as the first nutrient on the food label. Many parents are concerned about the effects of high sugar consumption on their children and how it relates to hyperactivity, dental cavities, obesity and health.
Sugar Consumption and Hyperactivity
Sugar has been linked with negative behavior in children since the 1920s, but this idea did not gain widespread acceptance until the 1970s. Several widely reported studies published during the 1970s suggested that sugar increased the hyperactivity of already hyperactive children. Since then, parents have been convinced there is a direct link between sugar consumption and hyperactivity. In recent years, the majority of research studies have not found a connection between sugar consumption and hyperactivity. Other than adding calories for increased energy, sugar in the diet cannot be linked to any adverse effects on behavior.
Sugar Consumption and Dental Cavities
A diet high in sugar is associated with tooth decay. Bacteria in the mouth changes sugars into acids and these acids eat away at the enamel and underlying structure of the tooth to cause cavities. The longer sugar is in contact with the teeth, the greater the chance of tooth decay. Tooth decay can be prevented by:
- Proper brushing and flossing
- Fluoride treatments to make the enamel of the tooth more resistant to decay
- Drinking milk or water with a meal to help wash the sugar off the teeth
- Reducing the amount of sugary snacks
Sugar Consumption and Obesity
It is estimated that more than 20 percent of the children in the United States are obese, and the number is increasing. Obese children have a tendency to become obese adults with increased risk for certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease. Diets high in sugar do not directly cause obesity. Rather, obesity is strongly related to an increase in the consumption of sugar along with increased intake of fat and total calories, and a decrease in exercise. Limiting the amount of sweets in a child's diet will reduce the amount of calories consumed overall and thus help in the prevention of obesity.
In conclusion, studies reassure parents that sugar does not have detrimental effects on a child‘s behavior. On the other hand, highly sugared foods, such as candies, desserts, and sodas, are low in nutritional value and, in excess, predispose children to cavities and interfere with a healthy diet. On these grounds, it is perfectly appropriate to limit a child‘s consumption of simple sugars.
For additional information please contact NIFS at 317.274.3432.