Can children with a fever eat congee with white sugar?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, children with fever can eat white sugar congee, but it should be given in moderation and not serve as the main source of nutrition. It should be adjusted according to the child's digestive condition. White sugar congee has a soft and mushy texture that is easily digested and absorbed, thus not placing additional burden on the weakened gastrointestinal system of a febrile child. It can also supply energy to the body through carbohydrates, helping the child maintain strength.

Generally speaking, children can eat white rice porridge with sugar when they have a fever, but it should be given in moderation and not serve as the main source of nutrition. Adjustments should be made according to the child's digestive condition. Detailed analysis is as follows:

White rice porridge with sugar has a soft texture and is easily digested and absorbed, thus not burdening the weakened digestive system of a child with fever. It also provides energy through carbohydrates, helping the child maintain strength. An appropriate amount of sugar can improve taste, making it easier for children with poor appetite to accept food, helping them replenish fluids and energy, thereby aiding recovery.

However, white rice porridge with sugar lacks nutritional variety. Its main components are carbohydrates and small amounts of water, lacking essential nutrients such as protein and vitamins. Long-term or excessive consumption may lead to inadequate nutrient intake, affecting recovery. Moreover, excessive addition of sugar increases the metabolic burden on the child's body and may affect normal taste development or cause oral discomfort due to high sugar content.

In daily life, a child's diet during fever should follow the principles of being light, easily digestible, and nutritionally balanced to aid the recovery process.

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