Cristina MutchlerA new study shows American toddlers are getting too much sugar.
Researchers found sugar consumption starts early in life and increases as babies develop. More than half of 6 to 11-month-olds surveyed were given added sugar on a given day. Ninety-nine percent of toddlers ages 19-23 months took in an average of 7 teaspoons of added sugar on a given day.
According to both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, children under the age of 2 shouldn't consume foods or drinks with added sugars at all. Experts say doing so during childhood is linked to adverse health effects later in life.
Federal dietary guidelines don't currently include recommendations for that age group. But they do suggest adults avoid exceeding more than 12 teaspoons of added sugar each day, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
