Sugar in the First 1,000 Days After Conception Linked to Health Issues Later in Life

A recent study in Science reveals that reducing sugar intake in the first 1,000 days after conception (gestation through age 2) may significantly lower chronic disease risks later in life. Researchers found that children with reduced sugar exposure during this period showed a 35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure, with onset of these conditions delayed by several years.

 

The study, using data from WWII-era sugar rationing in the UK, suggests that early dietary habits shape lifelong health. Health experts recommend supporting parents and caregivers with nutritional literacy to reduce sugar in children’s diets, fostering a healthier future. Read more from CNN here.