Sweeteners in Children’s Diet: A Professional Discussion for Nurses of Riga Educational Institutions

In order to ensure up-to-date and consistent knowledge on the role of sweeteners in children’s nutrition, from November 2025 to January 2026 the Riga Municipality organised five seminars attended by nurses from 76 municipal schools and pre-school educational institutions in Riga.

The seminar topic – “Sweeteners in Children’s Diet” – was aimed at developing an in-depth understanding of the role of sugar and sweeteners in children’s nutrition, their impact on health, as well as safe and healthy alternatives.

The functioning of the human body without sugar is not possible; however, it is essential to understand which types of sugars and in what quantities should be consumed in order to reduce health risks and promote a balanced diet for children. During the seminars, sector specialists shared scientifically substantiated information and practical examples that are essential for everyday work in educational institutions.

The seminars addressed various types of sugar and their effects on the body, healthier alternatives to sweeteners, including the use of honey, as well as potential allergy-related and other health risks. These topics were presented by physician and dietitian Lolita Vija Neimane, allergologist Signe Puriņa, and a representative of the Latvian Beekeepers Association, Jānis Kronbergs.

During the seminars, dietitian Lolita Neimane placed particular emphasis on why sweeteners, including honey, are important in children’s diets, in which cases excessive consumption may increase the risk of overweight, and which healthier alternatives can be incorporated into daily nutrition.

The seminar topics stimulated active discussions on children’s eating habits, the amount of sweeteners consumed, and the necessary changes in the organisation of children’s catering in schools and pre-school educational institutions, thus promoting a more thoughtful and healthier long-term approach to children’s nutrition.

The seminar was organised within the framework of the Erasmus+ project “Healthy Meal for All” (2023-1-NL01-KA220-SCH-000167295).