A recent study found that adults who had a lower intake of sugar during early childhood, and while they were in the womb, had a lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).
The researchers wrote about their study and findings in the peer-reviewed academic journal Science (citation below).
The study team, led by economist Dr. Tadeja Gračner, a research scientist at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, utilized historical data from the UK’s sugar rationing period during and after World War II. Sugar rationing began in January 1940 and ended in September 1953.
The researchers compared the health of people who were conceived and born during sugar rationing to those born later. They found notable health differences that they believe are directly tied to early-life sugar exposure.
Early Sugar Exposure and Long-term Health Risks
People who experienced limited sugar intake during their first 1,000 days had a 35% lower risk of diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure in middle age, the study showed.
Those with reduced early childhood and prenatal sugar exposure who did develop diabetes and high blood pressure experienced onset later—four years and two years later, respectively.
The researchers say that their study sheds light on the potential health benefits of reducing or controlling sugar intake during crucial developmental periods.
According to Gračner, the findings emphasize the need for public awareness about sugar’s role in long-term health risks, starting from prenatal nutrition through early childhood.
Findings from UK’s Post-War Rationing
The researchers gathered and examined data from a natural experiment that took place in the UK during WWII when sugar was tightly rationed.
In 1953, when sugar rationing ended, average sugar consumption across the UK nearly doubled within a very short period. This sharp contrast allowed researchers to compare the long-term health of those conceived or born before and after rationing.
With the support of data from the UK Biobank, the team tracked individuals who were in utero or infants during rationing and found them to be significantly less likely to develop chronic diseases than those born post-rationing.
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About UK Biobank
“UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing de-identified genetic, lifestyle and health information and biological samples from half a million UK participants. It is the most comprehensive and widely-used dataset of its kind.” (Source: UK Biobank)
Why the First 1,000 Days Matter
Nutrition experts and other health care professionals have long suggested that the first 1,000 days of a human’s life, from conception through early toddlerhood, are critical to lifelong health.
During this period, the body and brain undergo rapid growth, making them more susceptible to dietary influences. In particular, sugar intake during this window may lead to persistent sugar cravings later in life or may interfere with developing systems that regulate blood sugar.
The researchers suggest that moderating sugar intake from conception, during pregnancy and early childhood, can reduce health risks. They stress that this doesn’t mean eliminating sugar entirely, but simply reducing it.
However, they note that excess sugar during these first 1,000 days could have lasting health impacts.
Gračner, who does not want anxious parents to overreact to the study’s findings, said: “Pregnant people already have so much to worry about. If it’s just a little sugar here and there, everybody’s going to be fine.”
Implications for Parents and Policymakers
Sugar is present in many processed foods and drinks, including those that are marketed to young children.
The researchers call for a combined approach of parental awareness and policy intervention.
Co-author Paul Gertler, the Li Ka Shing Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes that healthier food options should be available, and regulations might be necessary to limit the amount of added sugar in foods aimed at children.
Gertler said, “Sugar early in life is the new tobacco, and we should treat it as such by holding food companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options. We should also tax and regulate the marketing of sugary foods targeted at kids.”
Final Thoughts
This study serves as a reminder of how nutrition early in life can determine how healthy or unhealthy we become as adults.
By understanding how early exposure to sugar affects the risk of chronic diseases, parents and policymakers can take steps toward giving children a healthier start in life.
Citation
Gračner, T., Boone, C., & Gertler, P. J. (2024). Exposure to sugar rationing in the first 1000 days of life protected against chronic disease. Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adn5421