One Major Side Effect of Eating Too Much Added Sugar, Says New Study

food on a plate: sugary snacks on a white plate

By this point, you know added sugars can be detrimental to your health in the long run. However, new research suggests that younger populations may be at greater risk of more immediate threats.

Based on the results from a new animal study conducted by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience, children who consume too much sugar may be at greater risk of becoming obese, hyperactive, and cognitively impaired by adulthood.

Keep in mind, this study was conducted on mice. However, the results could be indicative of the effects sugar can have on kids. The study revealed that when mice were given a smaller daily dose of sucrose (table sugar), they had a much lower risk of weight gain and other health problems than those that consumed larger quantities.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), men should limit their consumption of added sugars to 9 teaspoons (36 grams) daily, and women are encouraged to consume even less at just 6 teaspoons (25 grams). The AHA advises that children eat less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily to maintain good heart health.

Read more