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The Effects of Sugar on Toddlers

Sugar in the form of complex carbohydrates should be the body's primary source of energy. Fifty to 60 percent of a 2-year-old's diet should be made up of them, according to KidsHealth. Simple sugars such as those in cookies, candy, desserts and sodas can have negative effects on health, particularly when children don't eat them in moderation. According to Washington State University, an appropriate daily sugar intake for children 1 to 3 years of age is eight teaspoons. It is important for parents to remember that not all sugar is obvious, so they should always check nutrition labels.

  1. Nutritional Deficiency

    • Humans naturally prefer the taste of sweets so a toddler will be more likely to fill up on those foods if you offer them to her. The primary concern with this is that foods made with a lot of added sugars are generally less nutritious, so the toddler may miss out on key nutrients that are essential for her growth.

    Dental Decay

    • Bacteria found in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid. When a toddler consumes sugar-laden foods on a regular basis, his teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay. The American Dental Association advises parents to limit their children's sugar intake overall. They also suggest that when parents allow their children to eat sugary foods to offer it with meals because the increased saliva production that happens during mealtime will help to neutralize acid.

    Weight Gain

    • Consuming too much sugar can lead to unnecessary weight gain, which can have a negative impact on the toddler's overall health.

    Immune System Supression

    • Eating excess amounts of sugar can suppress the body's immune system. Eating 20 teaspoons of sugar lowers the white blood cell's ability to engulf bacteria by an average of 50 percent.

    Instills Unhealthy Habits

    • Many human habits develop early and can be difficult to break later. When a child is accustomed to eating a high sugar diet, the effects are not only psychological but physical as well. It is possible that the body can become addicted to high amounts of sugar, which will make it difficult for the child to accept healthier forms of eating later in life.

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