How many sweets can a child eat a day without getting sick on Halloween?

October 31st is approaching, and with it comes Halloween, a day when children and adults go out in costumes to trick-or-treat. However, it's important to follow some recommendations to avoid discomfort or illness from excessive candy consumption.

According to Invima, “excessive consumption of sweets and food in a single night can affect health.” Ingesting large amounts of sugar is harmful, so the agency advises adults to moderate children's consumption in the following days to avoid complications.

How much candy should a child eat per day?

The American Heart Association considers that “consuming small amounts of sugar as part of a healthy diet is safe.” It advises against exceeding 25 grams of sugar per day, equivalent to six tablespoons , to prevent health problems and obesity. It also emphasizes that children under two years of age should not consume added sugars.

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that daily sugar intake comes not only from sweets but also from other foods. Therefore, it is essential to monitor children's diets. Sweets should not exceed 5% of total daily calories, which is equivalent to two or three small candies or one chocolate bar. This helps prevent overweight and diseases such as tooth decay.

Invima's recommendations for checking candy on Halloween

Buy sweets from authorized and trusted places.
Check the expiration date and that they have Invima registration.
Check that the packaging is in good condition, original, with legible text and intact designs.
Do not consume suspicious products, with strange smells or signs of moisture.
Accompany children when they go out trick-or-treating.
If nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain occurs after consumption, seek immediate medical attention.

What does an excess of sweets cause in the body?

Excessive sugar consumption is harmful to health. Maintaining a balanced diet that combines free sugars with nutritious foods helps prevent various diseases. According to Cruz Verde (Green Cross ), the main problems that excessive sugar consumption can cause are:

Obesity
Diabetes
Malnutrition
Caries

Nutrition experts recommend drinking water before and after consuming sweets and trying to have a balanced lunch of protein and vegetables before eating sugars.