“Let’s start by looking at American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations,” says Dr. Pomeranets. The new guidelines call for less than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of sugar per day for children ages 2 to 18 years. That includes no more than 8 ounces of sugar-sweetened drinks per week.
“Children younger than 2 years should have no sugar at all,” adds Dr. Gaydos.
Why has the AHA adjusted sugar limits downward? Because eating lots of added sugar early in life is linked to obesity, high blood pressureand type 2 diabetes. And those problems put children and young adults at risk for heart disease.
Plus, filling up on sugary treats leaves less room in young tummies for heart-healthy fare like fruits, veggies, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
