Why Was the Health Drink Label Removed from Bournvita? Sugar’s Adverse Effects on Children

The federal government has ordered all e-commerce platforms to remove a number of beverages, including the well-known supplement Bournvita, from the “healthy drinks” category, which is a major blow for fitness drink businesses.

The obvious usage of the phrase “health drinks” was the main emphasis of the advice released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Ministry emphasized that there is “no ‘health drink’ defined under the FSS Act 2006, rules and regulations submitted by FSSAI and Mondelez India Food Pvt. Ltd.” in reference to an investigation conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, or NCPCR.

Cadbury, which is owned by Mondelez, has long maintained that it is loaded with essential elements that boost immunity, including vitamins A, C, and D, iron, copper, and selenium. “Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, we have always called out ‘Helps with the healthy functioning of the immune system’ on the back of our pack,” Cadbury said in an Instagram post.

What debate surrounded Bournvita?
A social media influencer confronted the candy company last year, raising concerns about the drink’s excessive sugar content. In a video posted on Instagram, Revant Himatsingka asserts that there are 50 grams of sugar in every 100 grams of Bournvita.
According to Mondelez, the sugar content of Bournvita is consistently far lower than the daily recommended amount for youngsters.

But after that, NCPCR demanded that Cadbury remove all of its deceptive labeling, packaging, and ads. The directive was issued in response to a complaint that claimed Bournvita, despite its high sugar content, promotes itself as a health beverage by enhancing “children’s growth and development.”

Afterwards, Bournvita made it clear that each serving of 20 grams of their mixture has 7.5 grams of added sugar, or around 1.5 teaspoons, which is less than the daily recommended consumption limits for kids’ sugar.

News sources state that the brand subsequently lowered the added sugar amount by over 15%.

What effects does sugar have on developing kids?
Experts claim that for the proper development of their muscles, brain, and nervous system, growing youngsters need sufficient quantities of protein and healthy fats.
On the other hand, consuming a lot of sugar increases the risk of obesity and chronic illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer—particularly in older children. In addition to obesity and excessive weight gain, doctors claim that a high sugar diet may lead to gout, joint discomfort, and fatty liver disease.

adverse consequences of excessive sugar consumption
Gaining weight
Experts claim that since sugar is abundant in calories and stores as specific fats in children’s bodies, if not utilized as energy, it causes weight gain. Subsequently, these fats are linked to harmful health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and even certain forms of cancer.

A diet heavy in sugar also makes leptin resistant, which is a hormone that aids in controlling energy and suppresses appetite. Weight gain is associated with resistance to both insulin and leptin.

decaying teeth
Consuming a lot of sugar also raises the chance of tooth decay, which may be uncomfortable and unpleasant since it can result in infections.

Adult teeth are also affected by poor oral hygiene, according to doctors.
Brain development Children’s brain development may also be impacted by excessive sugar consumption. Because the brain runs on glucose, it requires a certain quantity to carry out cognitive processes, including memory, learning, and thought processes.
Studies show that eating too much sugar causes anxiety and unhappiness.