Nowadays, as a parent, it is very difficult to manage the nutritional intake and eating habits of your child due to the pressures of modern life. Almost 40% of parents acknowledged that they find it difficult to monitor the nutritional intake of their children. There is a growing health concern among children due to modern-day eating habits. 

Children often resort to a low-fiber diet food and also have  a tendency towards eating more junk and processed food. These packed and processed foods are low in nutritional value and are loaded with sugar content. In such circumstances, as a parent you may rely on healthy drinks to meet the nutritional requirements. In the hope to increase the nutritional value and make the glass of milk more palatable for your kid, you may opt for some flavored energy powder. But in doing so, you may be doing more harm than good to your child. Read further to know more… 

Health Drink Composition

Health drinks are generally marketed as fortified drinks with all the essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your child’s growth and development. While these drinks contain some nutritional value, they are also loaded with sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives that do not add any nutritional value other than adding empty calories and interfering with your child’s health. 

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends only 25 grams of added sugar per day for children between the ages of 2-18. Studies have shown that consumption of excessive sugars during the active growth phase is associated with several negative health conditions including:

  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure
  • Inflammatory reactions in the body
  • Dental caries in children
  • Cognitive impairment (decrease in the ability to think, understand, memorize, and make judgments)

Does that mean all sugars are bad for your child’s health?

Sugar is a carbohydrate. It provides energy for our day-to-day tasks. Sugar is majorly categorized into two types - Natural and processed/added sugar.

Let's understand the difference between natural and added sugar

Natural sugar: This type of sugar is obtained from fruits and vegetables. And it has nutritional value. It helps to keep your metabolism stable.

Added sugar: This sugar is processed sugar and anything processed is harmful to the body. It has zero nutritional value. 

To protect your child from such harm you should consider giving them homemade healthy drinks, natural fruit juices and shakes such as orange juice, mango shake, banana shake, etc. or choose health drinks with no added sugars and preservatives.

Take home message - It is important to provide your child with the required nourishment and simultaneously   protect them from harmful products. So always go through the nutritional list of the product or consult your health care expert to gain a better understanding on how to choose the right nutritional supplements.

Disclaimer: The content (video/text) presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.