NEW YORK, Nov 6: As the holiday season draws near, it’s common for children and adults to enjoy sweets more than usual. However, new research underscores the long-term health effects of sugar, especially for young children.

Recent studies highlight how limiting sugar intake during the first 1,000 days from conception can reduce a child’s risk of chronic diseases later in life. This period, from pregnancy to age two, is critical, and lower sugar intake during this time could have lasting benefits.

Researchers examined historical data from the UK, particularly around the end of sugar rationing in 1953, to explore sugar's impact over generations. During World War II, essentials like sugar, fats, bacon, meat, and cheese were limited due to rationing. When sugar rationing ended, UK adults’ daily sugar intake almost doubled, increasing from 40 grams to 80 grams.

The researchers tracked nearly 60,183 individuals born between October 1951 and March 1956 to analyze the effects of this surge in sugar consumption. Tadeja Gracner, a senior economist at the University of Southern California and lead author of the study, described this as a “natural experiment” resulting from historical circumstances. Findings from the UK Biobank revealed that babies conceived or born during rationing had a 30% lower risk of obesity. However, type 2 diabetes and hypertension rates rose more quickly in those born after rationing ended.

Dr. Mark Corkins, pediatric gastroenterology chief at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, noted that our preference for sweet flavors begins from birth. However, refined sugar, now widely available, has replaced more nutritious options, like fruits, and affects our metabolism, often leading to fat storage.

In the US, federal Dietary Guidelines recommend that individuals age 2 and older limit added sugar intake to less than 10% of daily calories. Yet, with sugar present in many foods, including those for babies and toddlers, following this guidance can be challenging.

So, how can we steer toward healthier habits? Gracner believes it requires efforts from both parents and companies. “Added sugar is prevalent, even in baby foods, and children see constant ads for sugary snacks,” she said. While educating parents on nutrition is vital, companies must also be encouraged to provide healthier options and limit sugary product marketing to children.

High sugar consumption has broad consequences beyond individual health, affecting society and the economy. Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, often linked to sugar intake, strain healthcare systems. Additionally, these health issues can reduce productivity, impacting economic growth. Public health campaigns and policy measures to decrease sugar intake are essential steps to address these far-reaching effects.