A study published in a peer-reviewed academic journal has found that consuming high amounts of sugar in early childhood and even in the womb increases the risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure later in life.
This was disclosed in a post by Nature, a health publishing journal, on Thursday.
The researchers led by economist Tadeja Gračner of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, analysed data from the UK Biobank and found that individuals exposed to limited sugar during the 1950s UK sugar rationing had a 35 per cent lower risk of diabetes and 20 per cent lower risk of high blood pressure compared to those conceived after the rationing ended.
The study suggests that the critical period for sugar exposure is between six months and two years of age, with childhood diet having a lasting impact on adult health.
“The amount of sugar a child consumed after turning six months old seemed to have the biggest effect on the risk of developing a chronic disease later in life. But people exposed to more sugar in the womb also had a higher risk of diabetes and high blood pressure compared to those who were conceived when access to sugar was limited,” it said.
Balancing sweet cravings with moderation
Ms Gračner, upon discovering the link between early-life sugar consumption and increased diabetes risk, humorously recalled, “I was like, ‘No, no, no. This is the last thing I need,’ – likely enjoying chocolate at the time.”
She emphasised that expecting mothers and parents need not entirely eliminate added sugars from their diets or their children’s.
However, she said cutting back is advisable, considering pregnant and lactating individuals in the US typically consume over three times the recommended amount of added sugar. “It’s all about moderation,” she advised.
According to the researchers, research has consistently shown that childhood diet has a lasting influence on disease risk in adulthood. A notable example is the increased risk of diabetes, with studies indicating that fetal exposure to famine can double this risk.
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