Publications or press releases from the Royal College of Paediatrics

Limiting Sugar in Early Life Reduces Diabetes and Hypertension Risk by 35%, Study Finds

Nov 1, 2024, 02:23 AM

A new study has revealed that limiting sugar intake during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two, significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. The research leverages historical data from the United Kingdom's post-World War II sugar rationing period, which lasted from 1940 to 1953. Individuals born during this period of sugar restriction had a 35% lower risk of developing these diseases compared to those born after the rationing ended. The findings underscore the long-term health benefits of reduced sugar consumption during early life stages, highlighting the importance of dietary guidelines for pregnant women and young children. Additional analysis from the UK Biobank data supports these conclusions. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Obesity Reviews have also emphasized the significance of these findings.