Today more than half of children in the United States are consuming an ultra-processed diet - 67% to be exact [3].
As a nutritionist, I cannot stress enough the critical importance of a healthy diet for our children. Poor dietary habits in early childhood are not just a matter of concern—they can be downright dangerous.
The foods we choose to feed our young ones have long-term effects, influencing not just their immediate well-being but also their risk of developing some serious diseases. Some of those include:
Obesity
Childhood obesity is on the rise. About 1 in 5 children living in the United States are obese [4]. Sugary cereal, corn syrup, food dyes, and processed snacks are fueling the epidemic of childhood obesity in our country.
Our children are set up for diseases like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic disorders. And most concerning of all - Childhood obesity drastically increases the risk of obesity in adulthood along with the listed health complications.
Heart Disease
The common kids’ foods or candy are often marketed with a “child-friendly” character on the box. However, the ingredients are not so child-friendly when you do some digging.
Chips, candy bars, and other snacks contain ingredients like refined sugar, salt, hydrogenated oils, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, and corn syrup. These ingredients are directly linked to heart disease.
Weakened Immunity
A poor diet leaves a child susceptible to infections and illness. Essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, and selenium are crucial for immune health. Processed foods like cereal, for example, are full of fortified versions of these vitamins, but not natural forms of it, which can actually be detrimental to immune and overall health.
When a child’s body is lacking these very essential nutrients their bodies become defenseless against disease, making infection and illness the norm.
Digestive Issues
If your child’s digestion is out of whack, it's very possible that they may not be getting the nutrients they need to thrive.
A diet high in processed foods can lead to constipation, bloating, and stomach pain. This is because these foods lack fiber and other vitamins and minerals that keep digestion healthy and bowel movements regular. These ultra-processed foods disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which can weaken immunity and cause nutritional deficiencies. These nutritional deficiencies can then impact growth, development, and behavior. It is very much a domino effect.
Behavioral Issues
Processed foods with artificial additives like food dyes and refined sugars can significantly affect children's behavior. Studies show these ingredients can cause hyperactivity, attention deficits, and mood swings. For example, research found that certain food colorings and preservatives increase hyperactivity in children [6]. Another study in Pediatrics linked high sugar intake to more aggression and difficulty focusing [7].
When kids eat these foods, their blood sugar levels spike and crash, leading to mood swings and energy highs and lows. Like adults, this can make them irritable, restless, and unable to concentrate. Over time, a diet high in processed foods can hinder cognitive development, making it harder for children to succeed in school and social settings.
It’s clear that nutrition is important in anyone’s health, but especially the health of your growing child.
