After reading carefully and with increasing interest all coments on the use of
sucrose as an analgesic in infants (for whatever reason) I still miss an in my
opinion major point. I do not question the painstilling effects of sucking nor
of sucrose (which ofcourse can both add to a feeling of relief in the child that
experiences pain) but the idea of using any type of isolated sugar in infants in
the first place. I have 2 main reasons for this to be questioned.
1. Sugars (as all isolated carbohydrates) have a negative influence on the
intestinal flora, while they enhance the growth of yeasts beyond the extend of
being usefull.
2. Offering sugar as relief can dispose the child to seeking sweets for relief
in the rest of its life, and then causing obesity, dental damage, diabetic
diseases.
I would advise against using any types of isolated or others sugars for as long
as possible in a child's diet and definitely against the use for non-nutritive
purposes. Offering the breast to suckle will provide lactose (sugar in a
non-isolated form) and deep-satisfying sucking.

Gonneke van Veldhuizen, IBCLC, Maaseik, Belgium
http://www.users.skynet.be/eurolac
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