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Claim: Children need added sugar for adequate growth and brain development.
Verdict: Misleading! Studies and experts explained that while the body needs glucose (sugar) for proper functioning and brain development, it is usually produced naturally from carbohydrates, not sweeteners.
Full text
Nurturing children can be very hard, particularly for young and first-time parents who may not know what to do. Parents are often expected to figure it out and are inundated with information and advice from “experienced” parents and grandparents.
In Nigeria, a new mother usually gets support from older relatives via what is commonly known as ‘omugwo,’ a system in which an elderly woman visits a new mother and assists with taking care of the newborn and other household duties.
However, this is not without introducing certain practices and advice that may or may not be harmful.
A major puzzle nursing parents face when their babies complete the six-month exclusive breastfeeding is how to start solids, which could be packaged cereals, homemade meals, beverages, etc, based on individual preferences. While some babies might be fussy or picky eaters, others accept whatever they are offered without much ado.
A typical conversation among parents is how much sugar children need for their brain development and energy levels, especially as they are at the stage where they crawl, cruise along furniture, and eventually walk independently.
Some parents have claimed, without any scientific evidence, that children require added sugar and sweeteners such as table sugar in children’s foods to enhance their brain development.
This school of thought usually includes older parents who often rely on the experience they have gained from raising their children.
The development often leaves new parents confused. However, DUBAWA recently observed that some mothers have taken to social media to seek clarification on whether their children need added sugars for brain development.
To address this, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.
Verification
Studies have shown that taking too much sugar early in life could put a person at risk of obesity, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, consuming added sugar in small quantities is generally advised while aiming for a balanced diet, which aids overall human well-being.
Researchers have argued that very little scientific evidence shows the advantages of added dietary sugars. At the same time, many studies highlight the adverse effects of excessive or prolonged added sugar intake. Existing studies also showed that there are situations that may warrant glucose supplementation in certain people, adding that other sources of glucose include fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
They further noted that while there is little evidence about whether sugar must be eradicated from one’s diet, added sugar must be taken in moderation, considering the American Heart Association guidelines for sugar intake. The AHA recommends no more than a daily intake of nine teaspoons of added sugar in men and six teaspoons in women.
Children aged two to 18 are advised to consume 25 grams (about six teaspoons) of added sugar daily, and children under two are not recommended to consume added sugars.
Dr Kayode Alabi, consultant paediatrician at the Garki Hospital, Abuja, told DUBAWA that the misconception is from using the word ‘sugar,’ noting that it should not cause any confusion.
He explained that brown or white sugar, date powder or syrup, and honey, amongst others, are all sweeteners regardless of whether they are derived from natural sources or artificially made.
Kayode noted that he would never discourage the use of any of these sweeteners to make food more presentable and tastier, especially for children who are picky eaters. The paediatrician, however, said such should be consumed in moderation.
He explained that sugar, which helps the growth and development of children and adults alike, is usually the end product of carbohydrates, which is glucose. He noted that when a child consumes carbohydrates in adequate quantity, in addition to other meals to make a balanced diet, the body converts the carbohydrates to glucose, which then helps in brain development.
The medical expert advised parents to avoid loading their children’s bodies with sweetened drinks based on the notion that sugar helps the brain, adding that the sugar needed is available in carbohydrate food sources.
However, he said that if a person suffers from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), they may be advised to increase their intake of sweetened drinks to boost their sugar level to normal again. He added that if the person were to be treated in the hospital for such a condition, they might undergo a sort of transfusion.
In a recent interview, Dr Ayodele Renner, a consultant paediatrician, stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other global health bodies recommend that children under two avoid added sugar.
He explained that introducing sugar early in a child’s life could lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
According to him, early exposure to sugary foods may influence a child’s preference for sweet meals, making them more likely to reject healthier options that are not necessarily sweet. Avoiding sugar during the first two years of life, he said, can help in training a child’s taste buds to appreciate a broader range of flavours.
”On dental and oral health, avoid added sugars for babies. If you start adding sugar before age 2, it sets their preference for sweeter things. You can train their taste buds to adjust to preferring less sweet things.”
The medical doctor also advised that children under one year should not be given honey, as it could be contaminated with bacteria.
He explained that using date powder as a natural sweetener is a healthier alternative. He also warned that table sugar should be strictly avoided for children under two years, as its early introduction may increase the risk of obesity later in life.
Conclusion
Contrary to widely held belief, children do not need added sugar or sweeteners for brain development. The body naturally converts carbohydrates into glucose to function optimally.
