A new study led by researchers in the US and Canada shows that a low-sugar diet during pregnancy and the first two years of life can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Published in the journal *Science*, the study found that children with sugar restrictions in their first 1,000 days after conception had up to a 35% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a 20% reduced risk of hypertension as adults.
Diabetes and hypertension, two prevalent non-communicable diseases, contribute to substantial global health burdens. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises no added sugars for children under two and limits adults to 12 teaspoons (50g) of added sugar daily. Researchers from McGill University in Montreal and the University of California, Berkeley, highlighted the benefits of prenatal and early-life sugar restrictions, which they linked to reduced disease risks later in life.
Health and Economic Benefits of Sugar Reduction
The researchers noted that limiting sugar could reduce medical costs, extend life expectancy, and improve quality of life. An early diabetes diagnosis cuts life expectancy by three to four years per decade of earlier onset, underscoring the importance of preventive measures. By examining long-term health outcomes of sugar rationing during World War II, researchers gained insights into the benefits of early-life sugar restrictions.
Need for Policy Action and Reformulation of Baby Foods
Despite the challenges in reducing added sugar due to its presence in baby and toddler foods, researchers urged policymakers to push food companies toward healthier formulations. They recommended stricter regulations on marketing sugary foods targeted at children and suggested taxes on such products to protect long-term health.
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