Early sugar restriction cuts adult diabetes risk by 35%, study finds

A new study published in the scientific journal *Science* on October 31, 2023, suggests that reducing sugar intake from conception through the first two years of life can significantly lower the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Conducted by a team led by Tadeja Gracner from the University of Southern California, the research found that limiting sugar exposure during this critical developmental period resulted in a 35% reduction in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and a 20% reduction in hypertension later in life.

The researchers took advantage of a unique situation in the United Kingdom during and after World War II, where sugar rationing was in place until 1953. This "natural experiment" allowed them to analyze the long-term health effects of early sugar consumption. They examined the health data of over 60,000 individuals born between 1951 and 1956, comparing those exposed to sugar rationing in utero and early childhood to those who were not.

During the rationing period, British adults were allowed up to 40 grams of sugar per day, which is half the current average consumption and comparable to modern dietary guidelines. After the rationing ended, sugar consumption in the UK surged to around 80 grams (about 5.6 tablespoons) per day, nearly doubling almost immediately. This stark contrast in sugar intake provided a clear framework for the study.

The findings indicated that individuals born during the sugar rationing period had significantly lower rates of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Those who experienced limited sugar exposure in the first 1,000 days after conception had a 35% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of hypertension compared to those born after the rationing ended. Additionally, the onset of these diseases was delayed—diabetes by an average of four years and hypertension by an average of two years.

"We found that early-life [sugar] rationing reduced diabetes and hypertension risk," the researchers wrote. They also noted that "avoiding sugar early in life delayed the onset of high blood pressure by two years and diabetes by about four years, with an average delay of four years for diabetes and two years for hypertension."

Experts highlight that the first 1,000 days are a crucial period for shaping a person's future health and establishing dietary preferences. Early exposure to sugar can influence metabolism and foster a lasting preference for sweet foods, making it harder to avoid sugary foods throughout life. Tadeja Gracner explained that "studies show that, although most humans like sweets, significant exposure to sugar early in life may strengthen that preference."

The protective effect was strongest for individuals whose sugar exposure was restricted both in utero and in the months after birth. Exposure in the womb alone accounted for nearly one-third of the reduction in risk. The researchers stated, "In-utero sugar rationing alone accounted for about one-third of the risk reduction." They also found that reducing sugar exposure after six months of age, likely coinciding with the introduction of solid foods, amplified the protective effects against diabetes and hypertension.

While the study presents compelling evidence, the researchers acknowledged limitations. The analysis was based on self-reported health data from individuals born in the UK between 1951 and 1956, when "the type and availability of ultra-processed products could be very different from the current ones." Other social and nutritional factors may have also influenced the health outcomes observed.

Despite these limitations, the study adds to the growing body of evidence that nutrition in early life can significantly impact long-term health. It supports existing guidelines that recommend limiting added sugars, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. Current dietary recommendations in the United States advise that children under the age of two should have no added sugars at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The researchers called on policymakers to hold "food companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options and regulate the marketing and tax sugary foods targeted at kids." They emphasized that "with better information, environment, and the right incentives, parents can more easily reduce sugar exposure for their kids and themselves."

Experts not involved in the study found the methodology solid and the results credible. Dr. Paul J. Gertler, one of the authors, emphasized, "Childhood sugar is as harmful to health as tobacco." He added that the research results could be grounds for food companies to make baby food healthier, regulate sugar-related marketing, or impose taxes on high-sugar foods.

The study underscores the importance of early dietary interventions in preventing chronic diseases. By reducing sugar intake during the critical development period from conception to two years of age, there is potential to significantly lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. As Tadeja Gracner concluded, "Our results contribute to this debate by linking sugar to health and highlighting the importance of early-life diet to manage the risk of metabolic diseases in the long term."

Sources: Der Standard, BBC, Folha de S.Paulo, ABC News, El Comercio Perú, People, ABC Digital, El Pais, La Opinión Digital, The Independent, Gazzeta.Ru

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq