Studies have shown that reducing sugar intake early reduces the risk of diabetes in adults by 35%.

A new study published in the scientific journal *Science* on October 31, 2023, suggests that limiting sugar intake from conception to the first two years of life can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Research by a team led by Tadeja Gracner of the University of Southern California found that reducing sugar exposure during this critical developmental period results in a 35% reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes and a 20% reduction in hypertension later in life. .

The researchers took advantage of the unique situation in Britain during and after World War II, where sugar rationing remained in effect until 1953. This “natural experiment” allowed them to analyze the long-term health effects of early sugar consumption. They analyzed health data from more than 60,000 people born between 1951 and 1956, comparing those exposed to sugar rationing in utero and early childhood with those who were not.

During the rationing period, British adults were allowed to consume up to 40 grams of sugar a day, which is half the current average intake and is comparable to modern dietary guidelines. After rationing ended, sugar consumption in the UK rose to around 80 grams (about 5.6 tablespoons) per day, doubling almost immediately. This stark contrast in sugar consumption provided a clear framework for the study.

The results showed that people born during the period of sugar rationing had significantly lower rates of type 2 diabetes and hypertension as adults. People who experienced limited sugar exposure in the first 1,000 days after conception had a 35% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure compared to people born after rationing ended. Moreover, the onset of these diseases was delayed – diabetes by an average of four years, and hypertension by an average of two years.

“We found that sugar rationing early in life reduces the risk of diabetes and hypertension,” the researchers wrote. They also noted that “avoiding sugar early in life delays the onset of high blood pressure by two years and diabetes by about four years, with an average delay of four years for diabetes and two years for hypertension.”

Experts emphasize that the first 1,000 days are a key period for shaping human future health and establishing dietary preferences. Early exposure to sugar can affect metabolism and promote a lasting preference for sweet foods, making it difficult to avoid sweet foods throughout life. Tadeja Gracner explained that “research shows that although most people like sweets, significant exposure to sugar early in life can strengthen this preference.”

The protective effect was strongest in people whose sugar exposure was limited both in utero and in the months after birth. Exposure in the uterus alone accounted for almost one-third of the risk reduction. The researchers said: “Uterine sugar rationing alone accounts for about one-third of the risk reduction.” They also found that reducing sugar exposure after six months of age, possibly coinciding with the introduction of solid foods, enhanced the protective effects against diabetes and hypertension.

Although the study presents compelling evidence, researchers acknowledged limitations. The analysis was based on self-reported health data from people born in the UK between 1951 and 1956, when “the type and availability of ultra-processed products may have been very different from today.” Other social and nutritional factors may also have influenced the observed health outcomes.

Despite these limitations, the study adds to the growing body of evidence that early-life nutrition can significantly impact long-term health. Supports existing guidelines that recommend limiting added sugars, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, current dietary guidelines in the United States recommend that children under two years of age should not consume added sugar at all.

The researchers called on policymakers to hold “food companies accountable for reformulating children’s foods with healthier options and regulating the marketing and taxation of sugary foods to children.” They stressed that “with better information, the environment and the right incentives, parents can more easily reduce their children’s and themselves’s exposure to sugar.”

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Experts not involved in the study found the methodology sound and the results credible. One of the authors, Dr. Paul J. Gertler, emphasized: “Sugar in children is as harmful to health as tobacco.” He added that the research findings could provide a basis for food companies to introduce healthier foods for children, regulate sugar-related marketing or impose taxes on foods high in sugar.

The study highlights the importance of early dietary interventions in preventing chronic diseases. By limiting your sugar intake during the critical period of development from conception to age two, you can significantly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. As Tadeja Gracner concluded: “Our results contribute to this debate by linking sugar to health and highlighting the importance of diet early in life for long-term management of metabolic disease risk.”

Sources: Der Standard, BBC, Folha de S.Paulo, ABC News, El Comercio Perú, People, ABC Digital, El Pais, La Opinión Digital, The Independent, Gazzeta.Ru

This article was written in cooperation with Alchemiq, a company dealing with generative artificial intelligence