A study examined the long-term health effects of sugar rationing during World War II in the UK, which restricted sugar intake for adults and completely banned it for children under 2.
Analyzing data on 60,183 people born between 1951-1956, the researchers found that those exposed to lower sugar intake in their first 1,000 days of life had:
35% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes as adults
20% lower risk of developing high blood pressure
Even when rationing was lifted before birth, there was still a noticeable reduction in disease risk, accounting for up to a third of the overall risk reduction.
The sugar levels allowed during rationing mirror current health guidelines, suggesting that following these recommendations could lead to significant health benefits for children.
The researchers conclude that sugar intake early in life, even before birth, has a major influence on long-term chronic disease risk. They call for holding food companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options, and for taxes and marketing regulations on sugary foods targeted at kids.
Source: ScienceAlert
