The Role and Requirements of Digestible Dietary Carbohydrates in Infants and Toddlers


European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012;66:765-779

Digestible carbohydrates are one of the main sources of dietary energy in infancy and childhood and are essential for growth and development. The aim of this narrative review is to outline the intakes of digestible carbohydrates and their role in health and disease, including the development of food preferences, as well the consequences of excess carbohydrate. A search of available information on dietary intakes of children below the age of 4 years was conducted from 1985 up to 2010. Data suggest that sweet taste is preferred in infancy and later food choices. There are few established adverse consequences of high intakes of digestible carbohydrate for young children. The greatest evidence is for dental caries, although this is influenced by high intake frequency and poor oral hygiene. Evidence for detrimental effects on nutrient dilution, obesity, diabetes or cognition is limited.

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