Guidelines from the American Heart Association
This is a reminder to cut back on the sugar, parents. In a scientific statement from the American Heart Association, a committee of doctors issued conclusions about the association of sugar and kids:
Strong evidence supports the association of added sugars with increased cardiovascular disease risk in children. The committee found that it is reasonable to recommend that children consume less than 6 teaspoons of added sugars per day and to avoid added sugars for children under 2 years of age.
Miriam Vos, M.D., Ms.P.H, lead author, nutrition scientist and associate professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta summarized the committee’s findings:
“Our target recommendation is the same for all children between the ages of 2 and 18 to keep it simple for parents and public health advocates. For most children, eating no more than six teaspoons of added sugars per day is a healthy and achievable target.”
Avoid Increased Factors for Heart Disease
The committee statement went on to explain that increases in sugar consumption can lead to an increase in the development of the risk factors for heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. Overweight children who continue to take in more added sugars are more likely to be insulin resistant, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Added sugars are any sugars – including table sugar, fructose and honey – used in processing and preparing foods or beverages, or added to foods at the table and eaten separately.
More Questions About Sugar and Kids? Visit Sun Pediatrics
Do you have more questions about nutrition, sugar and kids? Then ask Dr. Hari of Sun Pediatrics. Dr. Hari is highly recommended by parents in Marietta, East Cobb and now Alpharetta. Sun is the local pediatrician to call first.
Your Pediatrician in Marietta, East Cobb and Alpharetta
Sun Pediatrics (678) 501-5601
- Read more about sugar and kids at Alpha Galileo
