Reducing Sugar Intake in the First 1,000 Days of Conception Decreases Child's Risk of Health Issues in Adulthood

Parents who want to reduce their child's risk of developing health issues later in life should consider limiting their intake of sugar for the first 1,000 days of conception.

That is according to findings in a new study published in the journal Science. The study analyzed the health of 60,183 people born from October 1951 through March 1956 using genetic and medical information obtained from the UK Biobank.

The researchers found that those who were exposed to sugar rationing early in life---possibly as a result of strict rationing during World War II and the years that followed---had a 35% lower risk of developing diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure in middle age, per the study.

For perspective, sugar intake during rationing was typically about 40 grams per day. After the rationing ended in September 1953, sugar consumption doubled.

Reduced Sugar Intake Decreases Health Risks in Children

In addition to lowering the risk for health issues, the researchers found that reducing sugar consumption also delayed the onset of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension by two to four years. Disease protection was also greatest for individuals who were conceived and grew older during the sugar rationing years.

Furthermore, limiting sugar consumption in the first 1,000 days---which begins from gestation until the child is about two years old---helps cut down on a "lifelong preference" for sweets. The study noted that pregnant women often consume more than 80 grams of sugar per day.

"Low sugar intake by the mother prior to birth was enough to lower risks, but continued sugar restrictions after birth increased the benefits," the researchers said in a news release.

How To Limit Sugar Intake

To cut down sugar intake, experts recommend replacing sugary drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, and fake juice pouches with healthier alternatives such as infused water, sparkling water, or brewed unsweetened iced tea. In addition, avoid keeping sugary junk food or drinks at home.

To help reduce sugar intake for kids and promote better health, parents should offer water as the primary drink and provide low-fat or plant-based milk as a nutritious option. High-sugar snacks should also be swapped with fresh fruits or whole-grain crackers.