Guidelines get stricter about added sugar intake for kids 2-18

Short- and long-term risks include obesity and diabetes.

Parents have long been warned about the health risks associated with giving a child food and drinks with too much added sugar.

Short- and long-term risks include tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, elevated blood pressure and heart disease.

The big question has always been how much is too much?

Now, the American Heart Association journal Circulation has published new guidelines that say children ages 2 to 18 should consume less than 6 teaspoons of added sugars each day.

“We know that diet and behavior is influenced by what we do as children,” said Jean Welsh, an assistant professor of pediatric gastroenterology at Emory School of Medicine and director of research for the Strong4Life at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “We also know that changing behavior once you become an adult is very, very difficult.”

Welsh and Dr. Miriam Vos, a nutrition scientist and associate professor of pediatrics at Emory, joined a panel of national experts who conducted a detailed review of scientific research on the effect of added sugars on a child’s health.

The recommendations, based on a review of research, are significant because there’s been a lack of consensus and clarity on how much added sugar is considered a safe amount for children.

The major sources of added sugars include sodas, sugars, candy, cakes, fruit drinks and dairy desserts.

Welsh suggests serving fruit instead and avoiding processed foods.

Welsh is a mother as well. She said she doesn’t buy sugary beverages. “I don’t bring them into the home,” she said. “If I do, it’s only very rarely and I think that has helped. I think the best thing parents can do is be aware of what they’re bringing into the home.”

Added sugars including table sugar, fructose and honey can be added to the table or eaten separately, according to the AHA. Additionally, the AHA said children and teens should limit their intake of sugar-sweetened drinks to no more than 8 ounces a week.

“We all have a preference for sweets,” Welsh said. “This is a reminder to tone it down a little.”