“I thought most breakfast cereals were full of sugar and only encourage a sweet tooth ”
Fact?
In the last IUNA national nutrition study published in 2005, breakfast cereals contributed only 5% of total sugar in a child’s diet (aged 5-12 years.)
Recommended action?
There is no doubt that there are some pretty sugary cereals on our supermarket aisles. You can use the GDAs to help you compare and choose cereals with lower sugar levels. Remember some cereals appear to have a high sugar content but it may not be added sugar. It may come from the dried fruit in the product. To double check you can skim through the ingredients list and see if there is sugar added and look out for less obvious names for sugar too like – fructose, glucose and so on.
Have a look at the other sources of sugar in your child’s diet. What reductions can you make in other areas such as:
carbonated drinks and juice drinks
sweets and biscuits
jams and marmalades
cakes, pastries, puddings and ice cream
Keep in mind that research on these matters is on-going and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.
