Written by Itnu Aziz Kareem
November 22, 2023 | 3:15pm
In recent recommendations, nutrition and ophthalmology experts have highlighted the potential dangers of excessive sugar intake for children, suggesting that it can lead to amblyopia. Parents are advised to reconsider feeding their children foods high in sugar, as this can have a significant impact on children’s growth and development. Experts warn about the effects of overindulging…
In recent recommendations, nutrition and ophthalmology experts have highlighted the potential dangers of excessive sugar intake for children, suggesting that it can lead to amblyopia.
Parents are advised to reconsider feeding their children foods high in sugar, as this can have a significant impact on children’s growth and development.
Experts warn that the effects of eating too much sugar go beyond just weight gain, obesity and dental problems. They highlight that both short-term and long-term vision problems are linked to high sugar intake, including blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and an increased risk of developing nearsightedness (myopia).
Dr. John Kolawole, a pediatric ophthalmologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Kwara state, told the media exclusively that high intake of sugar can cause short-term changes in the eyes, causing temporary blurred vision, headaches and eye strain. I explained that there is. Dr. Kolawole further elaborated that sugar can affect vision by increasing insulin levels, leading to changes in eye growth.
Additionally, experts highlighted a worrying link between excessive sugar intake and a condition known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This condition occurs when blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, do not develop properly and increases the risk of blindness, especially in infants born prematurely.
Dr. Kolawole says, “Studies have shown that high blood sugar levels, even in newborns, can contribute to the development of ROP. Sugar has been shown to have a negative impact on children’s vision.”
In addition to the physical effects, experts also warn about sugar’s effects on cognitive development. Ede Ebele, a registered dietitian, said excessive consumption of sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity and dental problems in children. She emphasized the importance of parents being aware of hidden sugars in their children’s diets, often found in processed foods and sugary drinks.
Professor Ebele said: “Excess sugar consumption makes children more susceptible to cardiovascular disease not only now but in the future. They will not be able to enjoy normal natural foods again. Because children are still young , they need a lot of nutrients because they are in the growing process. They need nutrient-based foods, not empty calories.
If you are eating empty calories, you will miss out on growth. ” She further encouraged parents to set a positive example by limiting their children’s sugar intake, adhering to recommended guidelines and adopting healthy eating habits themselves.
Source: guardian.ng