As most of us may know, when it comes to children, it’s our job as parents to monitor their sugar intake. Meals and snacks often tend to contain added sugar; but there’s one thing that may also unexpectedly fall into this list: growing up milk.
Before we get into added sugars in growing up milk, let’s learn a little bit about the types of sugars, effect of added sugars and how to look for added sugars.
The Different Types of Sugar in Food
There are generally two types of sugars: naturally-occurring and added.
Naturally-occurring sugars are sugars that you can find in fruits, vegetables, grains and milk. These naturally-occurring sugars as in whole foods are often a little healthier because they are consumed in conjunction with vitamins, minerals and the high fibre content naturally present in plant-based foods. Fibre slows digestion, preventing spikes in your blood sugar.
On the other hand, we have added sugars. These are sugars and syrups that added to beverages and food when they are processed or prepared. They are used to enhance or mask certain flavours. In some cases, sugar is used to prolong shelf life and keep foods edible longer.
Sweet but Adversary: Secret Sources of Added Sugar
Contrary to popular belief, some of the children growing up milk brands out there actually contains added sugars whereby the names of the added sugars are of those not commonly known such as corn syrup solid, glucose syrup solid and sucrose. That is why it’s important to read the nutrition label and the ingredient listing.
This is usually where the secret sources of added sugar are found. Some keywords and terms parents may want to watch out for include:
- Glucose
- Glucose Syrup Solids
- Dextrose
- Fructose
- Sucrose
- Lactose (if found in the ingredient listing)
- Galactose
- Maltose
- Maple Syrup
- Molasses
- Raw Sugar
- Agave Syrup
- Corn Syrup Solid
- Coconut Sugar
- Brown Rice Syrup
- Brown Sugar
- Molasses
- Evaporated Cane Juice
The Adversary of Added Sugar for Children
Added sugar is often included in many food consumable products targeted for kids. Sweets, candies, cookies, cakes, chocolate, sodas, and yes, even supplements and medicine.
Children are natural sweet tooths, but unlike adults, they don’t necessarily have the self-control to resist these sweet temptations. Without close monitoring, this may result in excessive sugar consumption.
Recommended Daily Sugar Intake for Kids
According to Malaysian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents 2013, the recommended added sugar intake for kids per day are as follows:
- 2–6-year-old: not more than three teaspoons (<15g)
- 7–10-year-old: not more than four teaspoons (<20g)
Sugar Content in Growing Up Milk
Many kids take growing up milk these days to support their nutritional needs for growth and development. These are milk-based formulations fortified with important vitamins, minerals and key nutrients like DHA to support their growing up nutritional needs.
Unfortunately, many of them may also contain some added sugars in order to taste appealing to children. This is a challenge because we want to control our kids’ sugar intake. And don’t forget there is already naturally-occurring sugars present in milk in the form of lactose.
Sugar is important for kids as it gives them plenty of energy to learn and play. But too much may cause moodiness, hyperactivity, sugar crashes, and not to mention the long-term effects mentioned earlier.
So, that’s why it’s important to check for added sugars before buying any growing up milk for your toddler. Luckily, there is one brand that has No Added Sugars* and may be a good choice for your kids: Anmum
Malaysian Mums Love Anmum
Anmum
Anmum
Anmum
It is also the growing up milk in the market that contains not only Gangliosides (GA®) but a blend of other important nutrients designed to support your child’s physical and cognitive development such as DHA, MFGM, Prebiotic (Inulin) and 15 Key Nutrients such as high Protein, high Calcium, Zinc and Vitamin D.
There’s MFGM which supports emotional and behavioural development as well as prebiotics to help support your child’s immunity. Plus 15 more key nutrients that they need to grow up smart, strong and healthy.
Moreover, it comes with No Added Sugars*, which means it’s a worry-free option for your kids to drink on a daily basis. Study shown1 that Gangliosides support effective brain cell connections that is important for memory and learning to happen. So, try out Anmum
Get your Anmum
*Sucrose, Glucose Syrup Solid, Corn Syrup Solid, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Lactose, Fructose, Honey and White Sugar are defined as ‘sugars’ and ‘added sugars’ under CODEX Standard 212-1999 and CAC/GL23-1997. CODEX develops harmonised international food standards guidelines and code of practices. Under Malaysia Food Regulations 1985, Sucrose, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Glucose, Fructose, Honey are defined as sweetening substances.
^Referring to the product label of major brands of formulated milk powder for children in the market
Reference
1. Rahmann H. (1995). Behav. Brain Res. 66, 105-116
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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