Study finds early introduction of foods high in sugar, salt is common in rural areas - Times of India
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WASHINGTON: According to a study of more than 10,000 kids in rural Pennsylvania, many kids were fed foods high in sugar and salt throughout their early years of life. Experts contend that exposing young infants to excessively sugary or salty foods can influence their taste preferences and, over time, develop bad eating habits. "Given that these foods are not recommended for children, these numbers are concerning," said Carolyn F. McCabe , PhD, a staff scientist in the Department of Population Health Sciences and the Center for Obesity and Metabolic Research at Geisinger. "Early exposure to foods and beverages high in sugar, fat, and sodium can potentially have negative consequences for the healthy growth and development of infants and children." "Early life is such a critical period for establishing eating habits and food preferences, and these preferences and behaviors around food can persist as children grow," said McCabe. She added that