Excessive sweets can undermine a child’s health, so monitoring daily sugar intake by age is essential. In a discussion with RIAMO, a pediatrician from JSC Medicine, clinic of academician Roitberg, Maryam Saifulina emphasized that all sugar-containing products should be considered together. This includes lemonade, syrups, honey, candies, and any item that adds sugar to the diet. The key idea is to view these items as a single category of added sugars rather than as separate treats, making it easier for families to manage intake and for clinicians to offer clear guidance.
Saifulina outlined specific daily limits to help parents plan healthier routines. A refined sugar cube weighs four grams, and the guidance varies by age group. For children under two years old, any sugar intake is not recommended. For those between four and six, the recommended maximum is five sugar cubes per day. For ages seven to ten, the cap rises slightly to six cubes daily. For adolescents between ten and eighteen, the upper limit is seven sugar cubes per day. These numbers provide a practical framework for Canada and the United States families aiming to reduce added sugars while still allowing for occasional treats in a controlled way.
A practical step Saifulina recommends is reading ingredient lists with a careful eye. Product labels routinely reveal the sugar content, and it is important to recognize that many substances labeled as sweeteners on labels can mimic the effects of sugar in the body. Parents should look beyond the brand name or packaging and focus on the total grams of sugar per serving, as well as the presence of any added sugars under different names, such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, or fruit concentrates. Clear labeling helps caregivers compare options quickly and make safer choices for growing bodies.
Natalya Denisova, a Candidate of Medical Sciences and a senior researcher at the Federal Research Center for Nutrition and Biotechnology, has noted that certain foods often perceived as savory or unsweetened can still contribute unexpectedly high amounts of sugar. Sausage products, processed meats, and other seemingly neutral items may carry hidden sugar or sugar-rich marinades that push daily totals over recommended levels. This insight underscores the importance of a whole-diet approach, where meals are planned with attention to added sugars across all courses, not just obvious sweets.
In the broader conversation about nutrition, some specialists emphasize how fasting days or specific dietary plans should be approached with care. The prevailing guidance is to maintain stable energy and nutrient intake while avoiding sharp spikes in sugar consumption. For families observing dietary restrictions or church or cultural fasting periods, it remains crucial to substitute high-sugar items with nutrient-dense options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, ensuring ongoing growth and development. Overall, keeping a consistent pattern of meals and snacks that minimizes added sugars can support better dental health, weight management, and long-term metabolic well-being for children and teens alike. This approach aligns with international nutrition standards and is adaptable for households across Canada and the United States.