Nursery World - Nursery Food: Sugar

Sugar intake can make a very real difference to children's health.
Laura Whiting lists the ten things practitioners need to know.

1. Sugar is a form of carbohydrate that provides us with energy, but not all sugars are good for us. Naturally occurring sugars, found in fruits, vegetables and milk, are not harmful to our health, and we needn't restrict children's intake of them. Added (or non-milk extrinsic/NME) sugars, found in biscuits, soft drinks, confectionery and many processed foods, are detrimental to our health and should be restricted.

Tip - Find out more about a healthy diet for young children by completing the Children's Food Trust's online courses, endorsed by CACHE (www.childrensfoodtrust.org.uk).

2. Young children are growing and developing rapidly, which means they have high energy and nutrient requirements relative to their size and require a diet packed full of nutrients. While sugar-laden food and drinks can give children energy, they usually lack any nutritional benefit. A diet high in added sugar is unlikely to provide young children with enough nutrients to support healthy growth and development.

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