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How much sugar should infants consume?

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Eating too much sugar can make us gain weight and create a range of health troubles be it diabetes to fatty liver. Sugar is particularly risky for infants. In fact, it's advised that before the age of 1, infants, babies should not consume food with added sugar. This includes fruit drinks, honey, or sweeteners for that matter. The American Academy of Pediatrics claims that infants below age of 2 should completely avoid consuming sugar or other food products with added sugar.

Sugar can contribute to tooth decay in children, and its excess intake can also affect their body by making them obese and increase the risk of health problems. Sugar can also cause diabetes in children and lower the overall nutrient-value of the food.

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Why should infants avoid intake of sugar?

As an infant's body is still developing, they should completely avoid sugar till they turn at least 1. The toddler does not require the energy we get from sugar at that age. The World Health Organisation also recommends parents to not give their children sugar until they turn 2 and it stated that infants get their necessary energy from breast milk. formulas, fruits and vegetables.


Sugar is not so innocent when it comes to infants as it could lead to poisoning. Poisoning might be rare, but it causes a fatal illness with Botulism - an illness that occurs in your body when exposed to the toxin Botulinum which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium which is present in sugar and honey.
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Not just sugar, any sweet content

The University of Pittsburgh research discussed the consequences of poor nutrition and health in infants and new moms. The study claimed that feeding infants sweet food may increase their orientation towards eating sugary meals, but can damage their immune system. There is also proof that if infants consume something sweet - maybe even honey, they get attracted to the taste and will start avoiding breast milk which is less sweet compared to the added sugar.

Parents can opt for water or plain milk to feed their infants and toddlers instead of juice or canned products. And as it is important for infants' energy to consume little sugar when they consume older.

Parents can opt for water or plain milk to feed their infants and toddlers instead of juice or canned products. And as it is important for infants' energy to consume little sugar when they become older, it can be done under moderation.

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Effects sugar have on infants

Sugar is not a favorable option for infants or babies as it affects their weight and growth. It also creates allergies in babies. Though it is rare, sugar and honey contain common food allergens which will create a lot of health troubles. Sugar is one of the closests substances that is easily dissolved, however, it creates gagging and coughing amongst infants.

As sugar is processed, it doesn't do any good for your kid's nutrition and as parents there are few alternatives like raw banana powder, dates puree, fig puree and apricot puree which are natural sweet products that can be used in the infants meal.


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