Understanding science behind how sugar impacts child’s brain

WHEN it comes to sugar, you can have too much of a good thing. This has been well-documented over the years, with sugar being linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

- STAFF REPORTER

This is dangerous for children’s health, but beyond the physical implications are the neurological ones, with sugar negatively impacting cognitive function, mood, and behaviour in children.

“The danger of excess sugar consumption is well-known, with the South African government implementing the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) to limit our daily intake,” “But parents and caregivers also play a vital role in limiting children’s sugar intake because there are so many hidden sugars in children’s food and drinks. Without taking necessary precautions, little ones can consume excess sugar incredibly easily,” commented Mbali Mapholi, Laager Rooibos partner dietician.

This can be of particular concern for parents whose children already struggle with focus and concentration. Mapholi explained that sugar plays a significant role in brain function, providing a quick source of energy, but the over-consumption of sugar can be a real problem. “We're seeing increasingly negative impacts on cognitive function and behaviour with unregulated sugar consumption. How-ever, there are lots of ways parents can reduce sugar intake from children’s daily diets.”