An action might be taken against Nestle India if found at fault. Also read Nestle adds sugar to infant milk, cereal products sold in several countries including India, study claims. Baby cereal brand Cerelac too as per reports has added sugars averaging nearly 3 grams per serving when sold in Indian market. As per World Health Organization guidelines, sugar is not recommended for infants. Added sugar can raise risk of long-term health issues in babies, making them susceptible to diabetes and other chronic diseases.
For example, tooth decay often sets in early in babies who have been exposed to sugar, while overconsumption from an early age may cause them to put on excess weight quickly. In fact, research now shows that high-sugar intake in early life drives hunger and exaggerates appetite β also making them more likely to develop chronic diseases, such as diabetes, later on," says Dr. For starters, they are highly predisposed to dislike bitter tastes, which may translate into a preference for sweet foods over the long run.
Other taste heritages are also affected; this applies particularly to salt intake, which influences weight, and fat, which affects the heart health. Feeding babies with sugar, in other words, will only lead to increased craving for these foods.
Also, excess sugar in diets displaces nutrients, so there is a risk that babies who consume it will be deprived of key vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development," adds Dr Quazi. These sources already contain an appropriate balance of sugars lactose along with essential fats, proteins, minerals and nutrients crucial for a baby's growth and development. Breast milk is naturally sweet due to lactose, which provides the necessary energy for the baby's growing body.
Giving sugar beyond what is naturally present in breast milk or formula can be problematic," says Dr Tanushri Mukherjee, Consultant β Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Malad. It can also disrupt the baby's natural appetite regulation, leading to poor feeding habits and a higher likelihood of overeating as they grow older," says Dr Ghawade.
