Does Sugar in Early Life Threaten Children’s Health?

The first two years of a child’s life are crucial for their future growth and development. During this period, nutrition plays a central role, especially regarding the introduction of sweet foods and drinks. A recent study reveals that sugar consumption in very young children, particularly in the form of sugary drinks and processed foods, exposes them to increased risks of obesity, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic diseases.

Researchers analyzed the eating habits of over 30,000 children across several countries, including France, the United States, Brazil, and India. The results show that nearly two-thirds of children between 12 and 24 months regularly consume sugary drinks, and 7% of babies under one year old are already exposed to them. By 12 months, a child consumes an average of 14 grams of sugar per day, which is more than 5% of their total energy intake—a level close to the limits recommended by the World Health Organization.

Sugary drinks, such as sodas, industrial juices, or sweetened teas, are the main source of sugar in toddlers. Processed foods, such as cookies, cakes, and breakfast cereals, also contribute significantly to this intake. Daily consumption of 20 grams of sugar doubles the risk of obesity before the age of three. These sweet products often replace foods rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, or vitamins, disrupting growth and weakening immune defenses.

Children who become accustomed to sweet flavors very early develop a strong preference for these foods, to the detriment of vegetables, fruits, or proteins. This tendency promotes micronutrient deficiencies, such as anemia due to iron deficiency or bone problems related to calcium deficiency. In the long term, these dietary imbalances also increase the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive development delays.

To limit these effects, experts recommend prioritizing breastfeeding for the first six months, then gradually introducing fresh, unprocessed foods. Raising parental awareness about the dangers of sugar and regulating advertising for sugary products aimed at children are key measures to protect their health from an early age.

Information and Sources

Scientific Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41110-026-00449-4

Title: Impacts of sugar consumption in the first 1,000 days of life: analysis of nutritional, growth, and health risks for children – a narrative review

Journal: Nutrire

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: João Guilherme Medeiros; Laura Barbosa Saltarelli; Daniel Henrique Alves Luciano; Maria Eduarda Capoani Antiga; Tainara Maisa Galdino Milanez; Raman Bedi; Sonia Groisman