The Concerning Harmful Effects of Sweets on Children

Monday, May 19, 2025  Read time3 min

SAEDNEWS: Sweets are a favorite treat among children. Are you aware of the harmful effects of sweets on kids? Eating too many sweets can cause problems in children.

The Concerning Harmful Effects of Sweets on Children

According to SAEDNEWS, Excessive consumption of sweets by children and teenagers can lead to many problems because sugar, when consumed in large amounts, is the enemy of the human body, and this also applies to children; in this section, we will explain more about this.

Serious Side Effects and Harms of Sweets for Children

Immune System Suppression

Sugar suppresses the immune system, reducing the body's defense against infectious diseases and making children more susceptible to illnesses such as colds and flu.

Hyperactivity and Decreased Concentration

Consuming sugar and sweets causes a sudden spike in adrenaline levels in children, leading to excessive activity and symptoms similar to hyperactivity, while their concentration levels decrease.

Hyperactivity

Vision Impairment

If a child consumes excessive sweets, their blood sugar levels rise, causing the lens of the eye to swell, which reduces their vision ability and ultimately weakens their eyesight overall.

Stomach Pain and Indigestion

If a child frequently suffers from stomach pain, indigestion, or acid reflux, it may be due to consuming large amounts of sweets, chocolates, cookies, or soda, as the sugar in these foods can cause digestive problems.

Increased Risk of Asthma

Asthma may develop in children due to high consumption of sugar and sweets, which also applies to teenagers, as it weakens the immune system. Additionally, allergic inflammation in the respiratory tract narrows the airway, disrupts mucus production, and leads to shortness of breath and a higher likelihood of asthma

Asthma

Diabetes

When children consume excessive amounts of sweets and chocolates, their body's sensitivity to insulin decreases, causing insulin levels to rise abnormally and unnaturally, which eventually leads to diabetes; this issue has also become very common among teenagers.

Food Allergies

Many children and teenagers may develop allergies due to various factors, and serious allergies can result from consuming certain foods high in sugar, which in some cases can even pose a life-threatening risk to the child.

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that usually affects children under two years old but can occur at any age; one of its causes can be the high intake of processed and industrial foods or excessive sugar consumption in the diet.

Eczema

Reduced Learning Ability

Consuming high amounts of sugar and fat can impair a child’s brain function, damaging memory and learning capacity, which ultimately affects the child’s overall ability to learn.

Does Excessive Sugar and Sweets Cause Hyperactivity?

Many families insist that their child’s behavior changes and becomes more hyperactive after consuming a lot of sugar and sweets. Yes, this is true. Some children are even more sensitive to sugar, making this effect stronger for them. Therefore, all symptoms should be considered, but in any case, sugar and sweets intake should be limited because artificial colors, preservatives, and high sugar levels all contribute to behaviors resembling hyperactivity in children.

What Effects Does Sugar Have on a Child’s Body?

When a child frequently consumes sweets, chocolates, and sugar, there is little room left in their diet for other essential nutrients like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and protein, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of health problems.

Does Excessive Consumption of Sweets Increase the Risk of Chronic Diseases?

Yes, excessive consumption of sweets and chocolates, which is an unhealthy meal for children, increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and other serious diseases; overweight and obesity are also among the greatest risks, especially for children.

Can we completely eliminate sugar and sweets from a child's diet?

It is better not to do so, because completely removing a type of food from the diet is not appropriate; however, their consumption should be balanced and reduced, as total restriction can lead to deficiencies in certain nutrients, which is not an ideal solution.


Latest news