2023-09-13 07:28:30
Eating habits learned from a young age can have a significant impact on future health. To help us manage sugar in children’s diets with peace of mind, the pediatric dietitian Solène Collin shares with us his knowledge, advice and experience.
Sugar is omnipresent in modern diets. Processed foods, sugary drinks and confectionery often contain excessive amounts of added sugar. Although sugar is a quick source of energy, excessive consumption can lead to various health problems even in toddlers. For example: dental problems and eating disorders in adulthood.
Beware of added sugar
“The European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology tells us that, when we talk about sugar in the prevention of what we know, we are really talking about sugars which are added by the manufacturer during the manufacturing process. But also sugars from fruit juices, concentrated juices, syrups and honeys,” explains Solène Collin.
Babies and young children do not need added sugar in their diet. It is therefore better to favor naturally sweet foods, such as fruits. Water is the best option for hydration.
Amount of added sugar in the diet / by age, recommended:
between 2 and 4 years: 3 to 4 teaspoons per day between 4 and 7 years: 4 to 5 teaspoons per day
Solène Collin explains that “in 10 cl of apple juice (one glass: 25 cl), there are already two teaspoons of added sugar. So it’s going very quickly…”
A madeleine contains approximately the equivalent of a teaspoon of sugar.
No candy before age 3!
“Ideally, sugar should be added as late as possible. » The pediatric dietician warns in particular of the risk of choking in children, up to 5 years old.
Occasionally, small amounts of treats are okay. To avoid temptation, Solène Collin advises not having candy in the cupboards or keeping them out of reach and sight of children.
Photo Laure-Sophie Cordier
The guest
Solène Collin is a dietician specializing in pediatrics and oral feeding disorders in children. Kindness, listening and good humor are the three main principles of its daily practice. She strives every day to promote positive, intuitive eating and a healthy relationship with food from an early age.
To follow her : Instagram
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