18.08.2026 02:00
It has been reported that starch-based sugars (SBS) pose a higher risk of causing disease due to their high fructose content, and that excessive sugar consumption in childhood is associated with many health problems, particularly obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and fatty liver. Prof. Dr. Elif Özmert from Hacettepe University drew attention to the risk especially in children, stating, "55% of obese children become obese adolescents, and 80% of obese adolescents become obese adults."
Starch-based sugar (SBS), defined as a type of sugar obtained from plants containing starch and primarily consisting of glucose and fructose, holds the second-largest share of usage worldwide in food and beverages after table sugar.
SBS is frequently used in the production of confectionery, bakery products, halva, jam, marmalade, ice cream, traditional desserts, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
SBS, which manufacturers prefer because it mixes easily into products, provides sweetness and consistency, and extends the product's shelf life, is subject to quota implementation in Turkey. Within this scope, currently, a maximum of 2.5 percent of the total sugar produced across the country can be starch-based sugar. Manufacturers' activities in this regard are regularly inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
EXPERT WARNED
Prof. Dr. Elif Özmert, a faculty member at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child Health and Diseases, who made statements regarding the consumption of products containing SBS and potential health risks, drew attention to the intense fructose ratio in starch-based sugar.
Özmert, noting that table sugar obtained from sugar beet contains glucose and fructose in equal proportions, explained that in SBS, also called glucose-fructose syrup, these two sugars are present in monomeric form and the fructose ratio can vary between 42 and 90 percent.
"IT RAPIDLY TURNS INTO FAT IN THE LIVER"
Özmert, pointing out that SBS can be produced by simpler and cheaper methods compared to sugar obtained from sugar beet, said, "SBS has a higher risk of causing disease due to its high fructose content. Fructose has a different metabolism than other sugars. Fructose rapidly turns into fat in the liver, and since it does not create a feeling of fullness, consumption continues."
Özmert, emphasizing that in addition to the risk posed by SBS, excessive sugar consumption of any kind should be limited, stated that high sugar consumption in childhood is associated with many health problems, from obesity to insulin resistance.
SUGARY DRINK CONSUMPTION ROSE TO 42.3 PERCENT
Özmert underlined that the basis of childhood obesity is taking in more calories than needed and expended, sugar is an easy, quick, and cheap source of calories, and sugary drinks constitute the most important food group carrying these characteristics.
Özmert, stressing that the effects of high sugar consumption on child health are not limited only to obesity, explained that excessive sugar consumption in childhood is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, fatty liver, and dental caries, as well as cardiometabolic diseases, allergies, intestinal diseases, and behavioral problems.
Sharing the results of studies on children's sugary drink consumption in Turkey, Özmert stated, "Studies conducted in Turkey on 7-8-year-old primary school children in 2013, 2016, and 2022 report that the frequency of children consuming sugary drinks every day/frequently was 12.7 percent, 18.4 percent, and most recently 42.3 percent, respectively. This situation emphasizes that immediate measures need to be taken regarding the risk of obesity."
"IT TURNS INTO A BEHAVIOR THAT INCREASES CONSUMPTION"
Assessing the impact of sugary and fatty foods on children's eating behaviors, Özmert said, "The use of sugary products has an effect on the pleasure and reward centers in the brain. It can almost cause a type of addiction, but the term 'addiction' has not yet been fully accepted by the medical literature; however, it definitely turns into a behavior that increases consumption. We can say this not only for SBS but for all sugary and fatty foods."
Özmert, pointing out that families' own consumption habits also serve as role models for children's orientation towards these foods, stated that regulations for school canteens should be implemented with all their components, and simultaneously, schools should provide one healthy meal service.
Özmert emphasized that these practices are effective interventions for children's healthy growth and development and protection from diseases.
"ADDED SUGAR IS NOT RECOMMENDED IN THE FIRST 2 YEARS AFTER BIRTH"
Prof. Dr. Özmert stated that for good health outcomes, it is preferred that no added sugar be consumed in the first 2 years of life, and thereafter, added sugar consumption should not exceed 5 percent of daily calories.
Özmert, stating that children should be kept away from foods that contain only sugar and have no nutritional value, said that carbonated drinks and unnatural fruit juices are at the top of these products.
Özmert, conveying that the American Heart Association recommends that children under 2 years old consume no free sugars at all and older children consume a maximum of 26 grams, approximately 6 teaspoons, of sugar per day based on their age, emphasized that ready-made products should be consumed as little as possible.
Özmert, drawing attention to the importance of preferring healthy snacks and fruits prepared at home instead of these, said that if ready-made products are to be consumed, labels should be checked for total calories and sugar source, as well as saturated fat and salt amounts.
Özmert, explaining that it should also be evaluated whether products contain nutritious components such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, and products with the least harm and highest benefit potential should be preferred, emphasized that the amount of sugar in ready-made foods and beverages should also be gradually reduced by manufacturers.
"NO NEGATIVITY IN CHILDHOOD REMAINS IN CHILDHOOD"
Özmert, underlining that the effects of health problems in childhood can carry over into adulthood, said, "No negativity in childhood remains in childhood. Therefore, child health is an important component that determines adult health. 55 percent of obese children become obese adolescents, and 80 percent of obese adolescents become obese adults."
Özmert, stating that the risks of diseases associated with obesity starting in childhood pass on to adulthood in increasing amounts, expressed that insulin resistance, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and stroke are among these risks.
Özmert said that obese pregnant women have a higher likelihood of giving birth to high-birth-weight babies, which may bring along various risks.