Healthy Kids: Added Sugar

Published:
Fruit Juices and Smoothies:
  • 2.5 tsp. in a 3.5 oz serving.
  • Equivalent to 2/3 – 1/2 child’s daily intake.
  • Over 40% of drinks contain 4 tsp of sugar.
Statistics:
  • American adults = 22 tsp of added sugar per day
  • Teens = 34 tsp of added sugar per day
  • 12 oz can of soda = 10 tsp of sugar
  • AHA recommends: 3-4 tsp per day for children, 5 tsp per day for teens
  • UK National Health Service = AHA recommendations.
Heath Effects of Increased Sugar:
  • Weight gain
  • Tooth decay
  • Sweet tooth
Recommendations:
  • No juice under 6 months old.
  • 1-6 yr olds: <4-6 oz juice per day.
  • 7-18 yr olds: 8-12 oz per day
  • Watch out for ‘natural juices.’
  • Artificial sweeteners get taste buds used to sweet
  • Consume a whole fruit – not juices
  • Dilute juices with water
  • Limit to <5 oz per day

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