IPB University Nutrition Expert Reminds Parents of Daily Sugar Intake Limits for Children and Adolescents

Excessive sugar consumption among children and adolescents in Indonesia is a serious concern for nutrition experts. Professor of Nutrition Science at IPB University, Prof Hardinsyah, explained that the current pattern of sugar consumption tends to be increasing, especially in urban areas.

“In cities, sweet foods are increasingly easy to find, both traditional and modern. Additionally, many parents work, so children rely more on food outside the home,” said Prof Hardinsyah in one of the episodes on the IPB TV YouTube channel.

According to him, children often consume sugar not only from sweet drinks or snacks, but also from everyday foods and school snacks. In fact, hidden sugar is found in soy sauce, sauces, chili sauce, and various snacks such as wajit, apem, donuts, and other sweet cakes.

Prof Hardinsyah emphasized that the daily sugar consumption limit recommended by the Ministry of Health should not exceed 50 grams or the equivalent of 4-5 tablespoons per day for adults.

“For school children, it should be lower, around 3-4 tablespoons. If consumed in excess, the risk of obesity and diabetes increases,” he explained.

He explained that excessive sugar consumption can lead to high blood sugar levels, which, if uncontrolled, can trigger prediabetes and diabetes. In addition, excess sugar is converted into body fat, causing obesity.

“Being fat due to fat, not muscle, is very dangerous because it accumulates in vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys,” he added.

Prof Hardinsyah also explained that the school environment often provides snacks that are high in sugar. According to him, the role of families and schools is very important in controlling children’s eating habits. He considers government programs such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) to be strategic in reducing snacking habits.

“If children are accustomed to bringing healthy lunches together, they will be more motivated,” he said.

In addition to families and schools, he continued, the community also needs to improve nutrition literacy by getting into the habit of reading packaging labels. “Many people do not understand that the nutritional information on labels is often written per serving, not per package. So, you have to be careful not to miscalculate,” he said.

Furthermore, he recommended consuming vegetables, fruits, and nutritionally balanced foods as alternatives to excessive consumption of sweet foods. “Sugar is indeed needed by the body, but in moderation. Diversifying your diet by eating more vegetables and fruits is very good for maintaining health from an early age,” he advised.

Prof Hardinsyah also reminded the public to always remember the principle of limiting sugar, salt, and fat intake as recommended by health authorities. “Let’s get used to living a healthy lifestyle by controlling sugar consumption, because good eating habits start at home and in our immediate environment,” he said. (dr)(IAAS/KDP)