BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – A pivotal systematic review just published in Nutrition Reviews examines the impact of digestible and non-digestible carbohydrate consumption on toddlers' health. Conducted by an international team of experts, the study highlights critical links between early dietary habits and long-term health outcomes.
The research systematically evaluated 31 publications, including 20 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials, to analyze how carbohydrate intake during early childhood (ages 1–4) affects growth, metabolic parameters, and risks of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease.
Key findings for toddlers aged 1 to –4 years old
Digestible carbohydrates pose risks: Early consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and fruit juices was associated with unfavorable later outcomes, including increased BMI and altered body composition.
Benefits of dietary fiber: Higher intake of non-digestible carbohydrates, also known as dietary fiber and mainly found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, showed potential benefits for later lipid profiles, though further research is needed.
Knowledge gaps identified: This systematic review underscores a lack of data in this age group on how different carbohydrates influence cognitive development, gut microbiota, and psychomotor outcomes. The authors call for targeted future research.
Implications and future directions
The findings emphasize the need to reduce liquid carbohydrate consumption in early diets and encourage dietary fiber intake.
Dr. Maryam Rakhshandehroo, Senior Scientist in the Nutrition and Metabolism and Functional Nutrients team at Danone Research and Innovation, concludes: ”Our review highlights the critical importance of early dietary choices. While fibers, with fruit being a key source, have the potential to mediate positive health outcomes, fruit juices and sugar-sweetened beverages may have adverse effects on long-term health. By focusing on these insights, we can guide parents and caregivers to make informed decisions that will benefit their children's health both now and in the future.”
Dr. Bartlomiej M. Zalewski, lead author, commented:” As a pediatrician, I will further advise parents that early consumption of digestible carbohydrates, especially sugary drinks and fruit juices, can harm children's health both now and in their future. As parents, we have a unique opportunity to positively shape our children’s health before they reach adolescence – by changing our habits. Let’s make it happen!”
The authors advocate for more longitudinal and intervention studies to better understand the effects of carbohydrate types in toddlers on emerging health outcomes.
About the Study
This work was conducted by an expert group of ILSI Europe. This publication was coordinated by the Dietary Carbohydrate Task Force and the Early Nutrition and Long-Term Health Task Force. This systematic review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and assessed data from major scientific databases, including PUBMED and EMBASE up until April 2022.
About the authors
The experts who contributed to this work - Bartlomiej M Zalewski, Gisela A Weiss, Cristina Campoy, Tamás Decsi, Elisabetta Di Profio, Renaud Mestdagh, Maryam Rakhshandehroo, Hania Szajewska, Stephan Theis, Elaine E Vaughan, Elvira Verduci, Ching-Yu Chang – are among the leading scientists in the field from both industry and academia. This representation across multiple sectors ensures objective and reliable content.
For more information about the Dietary Carbohydrates Task Force visit: https://ilsi.eu/scientific-activities/nutrition/dietary-carbohydrates/
Citation
Bartlomiej M Zalewski, Gisela A Weiss, Cristina Campoy, Tamás Decsi, Elisabetta Di Profio, Renaud Mestdagh, Maryam Rakhshandehroo, Hania Szajewska, Stephan Theis, Elaine E Vaughan, Elvira Verduci, Ching-Yu Chang, ILSI Europe Systematic Review: The Impact of Digestible and Nondigestible Carbohydrate Consumption for Toddlers (1–4 Years) in Relation to Health Outcomes, Nutrition Reviews, 2025;, nuae212, https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuae212
About ILSI Europe
ILSI Europe is the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), a global, non-profit federation with 10 entities around the world. Our mission is to develop, communicate and disseminate science-based guidance to tackle food, public health, and sustainability challenges. We facilitate collaboration and consensus-building between academic, industry and public service experts.
Contact Information
For questions about the paper, the Task Force or ILSI Europe, please contact Ching-Yu Chang, Scientific project manager, at: cchang@ilsieurope.be