Saudi Food Authority Confirms Sugar-Free Breast Milk Substitutes: Pediatrician Warns Against Added Sugars in Children's Food
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has confirmed that breast-milk substitute (BMS) products in Saudi Arabia are sugar-free, in line with local regulations.
The SFDA requires all BMS manufacturers and importers to adhere to these standards and is closely monitoring compliance.
This announcement comes in response to reports of a major consumer food company adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products in poorer countries, against international guidelines.
A pediatrician, Dr. Azzam Khaled Belskar, emphasized that no added sugar should be given to children under two years old in Saudi Arabia to prevent health issues like obesity and brucellosis from honey.
Dr. Belskar, as quoted by Al-Arabiya, emphasized the importance of natural sugars in milk and fruits for children's energy and nutrition.
He highlighted the benefits of breast milk due to its compatibility with a child's needs and the presence of immune bodies.
However, he also warned against excessive sugars in children's diets, which can lead to distraction, hyperactivity, tooth decay, and indirectly affect intellectual and mental development, cognitive behavior, language acquisition, and other basic skills.
Dr. Belskar explained that sugar is essential for brain function but can lead to feelings of joy and euphoria, creating a potential for addiction.
He warned that excessive sugar intake in children, even without diabetes, can contribute to obesity and impact their growth, potentially leading to health issues like bowed feet, difficulty moving, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting sugar intake for children under 4 years old and suggests replacing it with fruits.
For children between 7 and 10 years old, the recommended daily sugar intake is 25 to 30 grams.
The text states that infant formula must meet certain standards, including having a calorie percentage between 75 and 120 calories per kilogram, to prevent low blood sugar in infants.
This announcement comes in response to reports of a major consumer food company adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products in poorer countries, against international guidelines.
A pediatrician, Dr. Azzam Khaled Belskar, emphasized that no added sugar should be given to children under two years old in Saudi Arabia to prevent health issues like obesity and brucellosis from honey.
Dr. Belskar, as quoted by Al-Arabiya, emphasized the importance of natural sugars in milk and fruits for children's energy and nutrition.
He highlighted the benefits of breast milk due to its compatibility with a child's needs and the presence of immune bodies.
However, he also warned against excessive sugars in children's diets, which can lead to distraction, hyperactivity, tooth decay, and indirectly affect intellectual and mental development, cognitive behavior, language acquisition, and other basic skills.
Dr. Belskar explained that sugar is essential for brain function but can lead to feelings of joy and euphoria, creating a potential for addiction.
He warned that excessive sugar intake in children, even without diabetes, can contribute to obesity and impact their growth, potentially leading to health issues like bowed feet, difficulty moving, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
The World Health Organization recommends limiting sugar intake for children under 4 years old and suggests replacing it with fruits.
For children between 7 and 10 years old, the recommended daily sugar intake is 25 to 30 grams.
The text states that infant formula must meet certain standards, including having a calorie percentage between 75 and 120 calories per kilogram, to prevent low blood sugar in infants.
Translation:
Translated by AI
