Study links sugar consumption during the first 1,000 days after conception to future health issues

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s tempting for kids to overindulge their sweet tooth. But recent research suggests that reducing sugar intake in young children could have long-term health benefits.

A study published in the journal *Science* on Friday found that cutting sugar intake during the first 1,000 days of life – from pregnancy to age 2 – may lower a child’s risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

The study showed that reducing sugar intake during this critical period cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 35% and high blood pressure by 20%. Additionally, the onset of these conditions was delayed by four and two years, respectively.

The research team analyzed data collected before and after the end of the UK’s sugar rationing in September 1953, which was implemented during World War II.

In January 1940, the UK began rationing food to ensure ‘fair shares’ during wartime shortages, as explained by the Imperial War Museums. Items like sugar, fats, bacon, meat, and cheese were restricted.

When sugar rationing ended in September 1953, the average daily sugar consumption in the UK nearly doubled, rising from about 40 grams to 80 grams per adult almost overnight.

The researchers used health data from the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database that tracks individuals over time. They focused on 60,183 participants born between October 1951 and March 1956, examining the impact of this sugar consumption spike before and after rationing ended.

Tadeja Gracner, the lead author of the study and senior economist at the University of Southern California’s Center for Economics and Social Research, described sugar rationing as a unique ‘natural experiment.’

An analysis of a six-year period revealed a 30% reduction in obesity risk for babies conceived or born during the rationing period, while those born after the rationing ended showed a faster rise in type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

The study also suggested that limiting sugar intake during pregnancy and early childhood may reduce the likelihood of developing a lifelong preference for sweets. In utero sugar rationing alone accounted for roughly one-third of the observed risk reduction.

Dr. Mark Corkins, chief of pediatric gastroenterology and a professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, noted, ‘We are born with an inherent taste for sweet things,’ though he was not involved in the study.

For centuries, humans satisfied their sweet cravings with fruit, gaining essential vitamins and minerals along the way. Today, however, sugar is so refined and concentrated that many people would prefer a slice of chocolate cake over a fresh peach. This shift in preference has significant effects on our health.

‘When you consume more sugar, it alters your metabolism, causing your body to start storing it as fat,’ said Dr. Corkins. ‘Our bodies are designed to conserve energy for times of famine, but since we no longer experience famines, we store the excess as fat.’

Dr. Corkins also pointed out that sugar consumption in the United States is ‘extremely high.’

According to the *Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-25*, anyone aged 2 or older should limit added sugar to less than 10% of their daily caloric intake. However, following these guidelines can be challenging, according to Gracner.

‘Added sugar is found everywhere, even in baby and toddler foods, and children are constantly exposed to sugary snack ads on TV,’ Gracner said. ‘While improving nutritional education for parents is crucial, we must also hold companies accountable for offering healthier baby food options and regulate the marketing and pricing of sugary foods targeted at children.’

The study reveals that pregnant and breastfeeding women consume, on average, more than three times the recommended daily intake of added sugar, exceeding 80 grams per day.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlights that many children aged 1 to 5 are not getting enough fruits and vegetables daily, but they are regularly consuming sugary beverages.

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Corkins suggests that one effective way for parents to reduce their children's sugar intake is by changing their own eating habits.

‘The number one influence is parents,’ Corkins said. ‘Kids observe what their parents eat, and they tend to adopt similar eating habits. If you want your child to develop healthier habits, you must lead by example.’

Other strategies to cut sugar consumption include replacing sugary drinks with healthier options or eliminating them entirely, and keeping sugary snacks and drinks out of the house to reduce temptation. The key is moderation when indulging in sweet treats.

‘We all strive to improve our health and give our children the best possible start in life, and cutting back on added sugar early on is a powerful way to achieve that,’ Gracner said. ‘With better information, a supportive environment, and the right incentives, parents can more easily reduce sugar intake—for both themselves and their children.’