Sweeteners are increasingly used to replace sugar and in recent years there is an explosion of products labeled "sugar free" (light soda, yogurt, sugar substitutes, chewing gum ....). They are very tempting for children especially if parents use them. But these products are they recommended for toddlers? Are they useful in cases of child overweight?
A short guide to best practices for products sweetened and children.
No sweeteners before 3 years
Many experts have argued that the current state of knowledge, taking intensive sweeteners allowed on our territory (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin ...) does not present a health risk. However, they are not properly authorized in the preparation of foods for infants under 3 months, and they are also not recommended for children under 3 years. Indeed, it already exists for aspartame at risk of certain childhood diseases intolerance to certain amino acids (called a hereditary disease, phenylketonuria) present in the sweetener. But as it is young children, the authorities also prefer to hide behind the famous principle of precaution to all other sweeteners.
Many experts have argued that the current state of knowledge, taking intensive sweeteners allowed on our territory (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin ...) does not present a health risk. However, they are not properly authorized in the preparation of foods for infants under 3 months, and they are also not recommended for children under 3 years. Indeed, it already exists for aspartame at risk of certain childhood diseases intolerance to certain amino acids (called a hereditary disease, phenylketonuria) present in the sweetener. But as it is young children, the authorities also prefer to hide behind the famous principle of precaution to all other sweeteners.
Sweeteners for the larger question of weight
For older children, sweeteners are not a problem but it should be noted that there is for each of them an acceptable daily intake (ADI) that we must avoid exceeding. This ADI is based on body weight of the consumer. It is for example 40 mg / kg / d for aspartame, 5 mg / kg / d for saccharin, 15 mg / kg / d for sucralose or 9 mg / kg / day for acesulfame K . By their lower weight compared to adults, children may therefore meet or exceed the ADI faster. It is better to give them time to time that sweet food products sweetened "at will" under the pretext that they provide fewer calories. Nor should we forget that the energy needs of a child are considerable and it is important to provide all necessary nutrients all throughout their growth, "sugar" including.
For older children, sweeteners are not a problem but it should be noted that there is for each of them an acceptable daily intake (ADI) that we must avoid exceeding. This ADI is based on body weight of the consumer. It is for example 40 mg / kg / d for aspartame, 5 mg / kg / d for saccharin, 15 mg / kg / d for sucralose or 9 mg / kg / day for acesulfame K . By their lower weight compared to adults, children may therefore meet or exceed the ADI faster. It is better to give them time to time that sweet food products sweetened "at will" under the pretext that they provide fewer calories. Nor should we forget that the energy needs of a child are considerable and it is important to provide all necessary nutrients all throughout their growth, "sugar" including.
Sweeteners for children scheme
However, compared to sugar, sweeteners have the advantage of not being cariogenic, that is to say they do not favor the occurrence of dental caries. Moreover, when children or adolescents are actually attracted by high consumption of sugary products such as soft drinks or dessert creams for example, it may be desirable to reduce their contributions. This decrease is obviously gradual, as in a "withdrawal", which allow sweeteners because they do not upset too much the taste of the product (soda or light homemade desserts based sweetener) without causing overconsumption of sugar.
Similarly, in cases of diabetes or overweight, sweeteners can also be used in children, preferably after a medical consultation or supervision of a dietician who will always consider the weight of the child.
A balanced diet for kids!
Although the sweeteners may be useful for children, however, attention to nutrition education that you give them. It does not put them in mind that there are forbidden foods or to avoid, on pain of undermining their future behavior and foster psychological pathologies heavier than overweight in themselves (anorexia, bulimia ... ). Thus, ideally, it is simply best not to accustom children to consume large quantities of sugar products. Just for example whether they simply provide water when thirsty and not a soda or drink a light which would only maintain their preference for sweet taste and disrupt their true feelings ( hunger, thirst, satiety ...). Similarly, a preparation as milk may well be sweeten with fresh fruit (grapes, bananas ...) or dried fruit (pruneaux. ..) that will bring in more of a sweet flavor, fiber, vitamins , minerals, discovered taste ... Perhaps therein lies the real victory against the overweight child and then later that of the adult!
Although the sweeteners may be useful for children, however, attention to nutrition education that you give them. It does not put them in mind that there are forbidden foods or to avoid, on pain of undermining their future behavior and foster psychological pathologies heavier than overweight in themselves (anorexia, bulimia ... ). Thus, ideally, it is simply best not to accustom children to consume large quantities of sugar products. Just for example whether they simply provide water when thirsty and not a soda or drink a light which would only maintain their preference for sweet taste and disrupt their true feelings ( hunger, thirst, satiety ...). Similarly, a preparation as milk may well be sweeten with fresh fruit (grapes, bananas ...) or dried fruit (pruneaux. ..) that will bring in more of a sweet flavor, fiber, vitamins , minerals, discovered taste ... Perhaps therein lies the real victory against the overweight child and then later that of the adult!
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