Safe daily candy limit for children: You didn't expect
How many candies a day can children eat (photo: freepik)
How many candies can you give a child without harming their health? Dietitians have finally named the exact daily sugar limit for children, which will help parents control sugar consumption and form healthy eating habits.
What is the safe amount of candy for a child per day?
According to the recommendations of specialists in children's nutrition, the safe daily limit for added sugar for children aged 2 to 18 years is no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams). It is important to understand that this limit includes not only pure sugar (candies, lollipops) but also hidden sugars found in many processed products: sweet drinks, yogurts with fruit fillers, breakfast cereals, sauces, and even some “healthy” energy bars.
Why is this limit considered safe?
Dietitians explain this based on several key factors:
Minimal risk of cavities
Excessive sugar consumption is the main cause of tooth decay in children. Bacteria in the mouth actively process sugar, releasing acids that destroy tooth enamel. Limiting added sugar intake to the recommended norm significantly reduces the risk of tooth damage.
Weight control and prevention of obesity
Sweets are generally high-calorie products with low nutritional value. Regularly exceeding the recommended sugar limit leads to excessive calorie intake, contributing to weight gain and the development of obesity in children. Keeping sugar intake within the limit helps control weight and prevent metabolic disorders.
Stable energy and behavior levels
Sharp spikes in blood sugar after consuming sweets can lead to hyperactivity, irritability, and concentration problems in children. This is typically followed by a sharp drop in energy. Controlled sugar intake helps maintain a more stable blood glucose level, positively affecting the child's mood and behavior.
Formation of healthy eating habits
Limiting sweets consumption in childhood helps form healthy eating habits for the future. Children who grow up with moderate sugar consumption are more likely to follow a balanced diet in adulthood.
What do dietitians recommend to parents?
Carefully read product labels
Pay attention to the amount of added sugar in processed products. It often hides under various names: sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, maltodextrin, etc.
Limit sweet drinks
Sodas, commercially produced juices, sweet teas, and compotes are some of the main sources of added sugar in children's diets. Encourage children to drink water, unsweetened tea, or homemade compote.
Control the amount of candy and other sweets
Set clear rules for the quantity and frequency of consuming sweets. Make it a small dessert after the main meal, not a constant snack throughout the day.
Offer healthy alternatives
Instead of candies, offer fruits, berries, dried fruits, yogurt without added sugar, with fruit or nuts.
Don’t use sweets as rewards or encouragement
This can create a wrong relationship with food, where sweets are associated with something special and desirable.
Set a personal example
Parents are role models for their children. If you consume a lot of sweets, it will be hard for your child to understand the need for limiting it.
Explain to children the effects of sugar on health
In a way that is appropriate for their age, explain why excessive sugar consumption is harmful.
It is important to understand that 6 teaspoons of added sugar is the total daily limit, not a single serving of candy. The number of candies a child can eat without harming their health depends on their size and sugar content.
For example, a few small lollipops or one small chocolate candy can fit within this limit, provided that the child has not consumed other products with high added sugar throughout the day.
Dietitians emphasize that these recommendations are guidelines, and each child is individual. If there are certain health conditions or developmental features, sugar consumption norms may be adjusted by a doctor. However, adhering to the general principles of moderate sugar consumption is essential for ensuring healthy growth and development in children.
Sources: WHO recommendations, Mayo Clinic, Health.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
