About 16% of Kids' Total Calories Come From Added Sugars, New Report Finds

U.S. children and teens have cut down on added sugars but still eat too much, according to a new report.

"Added sugar consumption is high among children and teens," says Cynthia L. Ogden, PhD, an epidemiologist with the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, which issued the report.

About 16% of total calories eaten by children and teens are from added sugars, Ogden found.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting intake of ''discretionary'' calories, including added sugars and solid fats, to a total of 5% to 15% daily.

Study: Breastfed Babies Have Better Childhood Lung Function

New moms with asthma can safely breastfeed without worrying that the practice will increase their child’s asthma risk, a new study shows.

Researchers followed children in the United Kingdom from birth until around age 12 to assess the impact of breastfeeding, if any, on lung development.

They found that kids who were breastfed as babies had modestly better lung function than those who were not -- and breastfeeding seemed to convey the most protection to children whose mothers had asthma.

Penicillin doses for children need to be reviewed to take account of the fact youngsters are getting heavier meaning they may not be getting an adequate dose, experts have said.

Dosing guidelines have remained unchanged for almost 50 years and are mostly based on children's ages.

But experts argue that the dose a child needs is determined by their weight – and the average weight of children has increased.

Child Penicillin Doses Should Be Reviewed, Say Experts

Penicillin doses for children - which have stayed the same for 50 years - need to be reviewed because youngsters are getting heavier, experts have said.

Dosages are based on age but an average weight is assumed and average weights have risen, the London-based team warn.

In the British Medical Journal, they say a review is needed to ensure children are getting enough medication.