Five Scary Myths About Sugar This Halloween
As a nutritionist, I'd like to shed some light on the impact of sugar on children, especially during Halloween.
The World Health Organization recommends that "free sugars" make up less than 10% of total energy intake, and ideally under 5%.
- For ages 1-2, the daily limit is roughly 10g of sugar.
- For ages 2-3, the daily limit is roughly 14g of sugar.
- For ages 4-6, the daily limit is roughly 19g of sugar.
- For ages 7-10, the daily limit is roughly 24g of sugar.
- For ages 11+, the daily limit is roughly 30g of sugar.
To put this into perspective, a small biscuit contains around 4g of sugar, a treat-sized bag of sweets about 13g, and a single lollipop roughly 10g.
A successful trick-or-treat haul can easily push a child past their recommended daily limit several times over.
Parents often hear well-meaning advice from friends and relatives about sugar highs, crashes and restless nights.
Author's summary: Nutritionist debunks scary sugar myths for Halloween.