A study by American and Canadian researchers offers strong evidence of the lifelong health impact of early sugar consumption. Children with limited sugar intake during the first 1,000 days after conception had up to a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

New Delhi: A pregnancy that, if continued during the first two years of life, can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, according to a new study.

The study by American and Canadian researchers provides compelling new evidence of the health effects of sugar consumption early in life.

Children who had sugar restrictions in the first 1,000 days after conception had up to a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It can also reduce the risk of hypertension in adults by up to 20 percent, the study published in the journal Science found.

Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the most common noncommunicable diseases that take a significant toll on health across the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no added sugars for children under two years of age and no more than 12 teaspoons (50 g) of added sugar per day for adults.

Notably, exposure to sugar restrictions in utero alone was sufficient to reduce risk, but protection against disease increased after birth once solid foods were likely introduced.

If followed, it can reduce costs, extend life expectancy and, perhaps most importantly, quality of life, said the researchers from McGill University in Montreal and the University of California at Berkeley, who examined how sugar rationing during World War II influenced long lifespans. -effects on long-term health.

In addition to increasing annual medical expenses, an early diagnosis of diabetes also means a significantly shorter life expectancy, with each decade earlier a diabetes diagnosis is made reducing life expectancy by three to four years.

These figures highlight the value of early interventions that could delay or prevent this disease, the researchers noted.

Even as consumption of excessive amounts of added sugars during early childhood, a critical period of development, continues to grow, the study raised concerns about children’s long-term health.

While it’s not easy to adjust children’s sugar intake because added sugar is everywhere, even in baby and toddler foods, they called on policymakers to hold “food companies accountable for reformulating baby foods with healthier options and to regulate the marketing and tax sugary foods intended for children.” »