Early Sugar Restriction in Childhood Could Reduce Diabetes Risk by 35%, Study Finds

A new study published in Science suggests that restricting sugar intake during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to age two—can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. The research indicates a 35% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk and a 20% decrease in hypertension, with disease onset delayed by up to four years.

Researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed data on nearly 60,000 individuals affected by sugar rationing in the UK during the post-WWII recovery period. The findings highlight that exposure to lower sugar levels in utero already offers protective benefits against chronic diseases, which increase further with extended low-sugar intake post-birth.

Dr. Arun Gupta, convener of Nutrition Advocacy for Public Interest, noted, “Reducing sugar intake during pregnancy and early childhood has a profound, lifelong impact on health.”

The analysis, based on UK BioBank data, compares individuals conceived just before or after the end of rationing in 1953. This “natural experiment” underscores the importance of the first 1,000 days in shaping long-term health. Babies exposed to sugar rationing in the womb and then weaned onto low-sugar diets experienced the most notable health benefits.

WHO Guidelines on Sugar Intake:

• Children under two should consume no added sugars.
• Adults are advised to limit added sugar to 7 teaspoons (28g) daily.
• Maximum intake should not exceed 12 teaspoons (50g) per day.

This study strengthens the case for low-sugar diets during early childhood, emphasizing the lasting impact on chronic disease prevention and lifelong health.

Source: Indian Express
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