Children Like Sweet? Be Careful, This Is The Impact Of Excess Sugar On Growing Flower

JAKARTA - High sugar intake in children not only affects weight, but also has an impact on digestive system, immunity, and cognitive development. Therefore, it is important for parents to be more careful in choosing snacks and processed foods for their little ones.

Pediatrician Melia Yunita reminded the importance of checking sugar levels in snacks, especially those from packaged products. He explained that foods with additional sugar should be avoided, especially in children under the age of two.

"Children under the age of two should not eat any additional sugar at all," said the doctor who graduated from Gadjah Mada University as quoted by ANTARA.

He added, if parents want to provide packaged snacks, make sure the product is labeled MPASI (Mixed Food). This label indicates that products have been designed according to the needs of infants and toddlers, including in terms of limiting sugar and sodium levels.

"If there is an MPASI label, it means it has been adjusted to their nutritional needs," he explained.

Excessive sweet foods and drinks can trigger children to continue to seek sweet tastes, which in the long term can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. In addition, the digestive system that is disrupted due to high sugar intake can also reduce endurance.

"If the digestive tract is disturbed, the nutrition is automatically not absorbed properly, the child becomes easily sick, it can even affect his brain function," said the doctor who is also practicing at Eka Hospital Cibubur.

He reminded again that maintaining healthy digestion is an important part of efforts to build immunity and support optimal growth and development. One way is to limit the consumption of high sugar foods from an early age.