It’s obvious that sugar free is important, especially when it comes to children over the age of 4. Understandably, parents are concerned about the levels of sugar their children consume, and so it’s essential that we take into account the amount of sugar in supplements. Supplements are meant to positively supplement our diets, not ruin them. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there is little to no sugar in supplements that are prescribed for children. It is up to us as healthcare professionals and parents alike to make sure that our children get the best care with sugar-free supplements. When it comes to supplements, sugar-free really is important.
- Dental Health – Children are at a higher risk of developing cavities, and consuming sugary supplements can contribute to tooth decay. Sugar-free supplements can help reduce this risk.
- Weight Management – Consuming too much sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity in children. Sugar-free supplements can help children maintain a healthy weight.
- Blood Sugar Control – Consuming too much sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can be harmful for children with diabetes or other conditions that affect blood sugar control. Sugar-free supplements can help children maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Nutritional Value – Many sugary supplements do not provide much nutritional value and instead provide empty calories. Sugar-free supplements, on the other hand, can provide essential nutrients without added sugar.
- Habit Formation – Consuming sugary supplements can lead to a preference for sweet tastes, which can contribute to the development of poor eating habits. Sugar-free supplements can help children develop a taste for healthier foods.
- Better for Overall Health – Consuming too much sugar is linked to an increased risk of various health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more. Sugar-free supplements can help children maintain better overall health by avoiding excessive sugar intake.
- Better Taste – Sugar-free supplements can have a better taste because they are not overpowering with sweetness.
But don’t worry, we would never use synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose…..more about that and natural sweeteners at another opportunity.
