iStock/ThinkstockDR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor

The American Heart Association says there’s been a lack of clarity in how much added sugar is recommended for kids. Now the organization has come out with its first recommendations and a daily limit for kids ages 2-18, limiting total added sugars in the diet to 25g a day.

Eating too much sugar can lead to increased risks of heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. It’s a scary and sad reality that the average child or teen consumes 2-4 times the recommended amount every day.

By increasing awareness, the American Heart Association hopes that parents and kids will not only have a healthier diet, but may also decrease their risk of being overweight and obesity as well.

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