Image: GettyImages
Less sugar during pregnancy and in the first two years of a child’s life helps against diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. This is evident from a new survey among British adults. People who ate little sugar in the womb and as young children were less likely to develop these diseases.
Read more below in the ad
The first 1000 days are crucial
During a baby’s first 1,000 days – from birth to their second birthday – good nutrition is essential for a healthy future. In the womb, babies first get their nutrition from what their mother eats and after birth this turns into milk and baby snacks.
Read more below in the ad
Researchers found that limiting sugar to the recommended amounts led to a 35 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a 20 percent lower risk of high blood pressure in middle age. In addition, these chronic diseases developed on average four to two years later in people who did not eat much sugar as children, compared to children who had eaten more sugar.
What can we learn from Britain’s sugar rationing?
The scientists used a so-called “quasi-experiment” in Britain, where sugar was rationed for ten years in the 1950s after the Second World War. The portion was comparable to today’s guidelines. When the rations were lifted in 1953, the amount of sugar immediately doubled. From about 40 grams to about 80 grams per day. The researchers compared the health of 38,000 people born during this period with the health of 22,000 born immediately after the ratio. The results showed that people born and raised on the diet had a much lower risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Read more below in the ad
What does this mean for young parents?
In the UK it is recommended that adults consume no more than 30 grams of free sugar per day, but there are no specific guidelines for children under the age of four. The advice is to avoid sugary drinks and added sugar in food. But with an abundance of added sugar, even in baby and toddler food, this can be a huge challenge for parents.
Read more below in the ad
Tadeja Gračner, a researcher at the University of Southern California, emphasizes the importance of eating less sugar in early childhood. She also calls on food manufacturers to offer healthier options for babies and young children and to be more responsible in the marketing and pricing of sugary products aimed at children. It’s not just the parents who are responsible for this, she says.
What do experts say?
Professor Keith Godfrey from the University of Southampton said: “This is strong new evidence, providing further support that there are long-term benefits to reducing sugar levels in the unborn and newborn, which ‘ including reducing the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. The findings are consistent with our research showing lower levels of obesity in children born to mothers who eat low glycemic index foods during pregnancy, which are digested and are absorbed more slowly, causing a slower rise in blood sugar levels.”
Read more below in the ad
Dr. Nina Rogers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine says public health initiatives should focus on this important early stage of life so parents have access to affordable, high-quality sugar-free food.
The decision? Less sugar in those first 1000 days gives children a healthier future. It’s time, as a parent and as a society, to take a closer look at the first snacks and snacks!
Source: The Keeper
The #1 polish for moms
To share
To share
2024-11-05 09:45:00
#sugar #days #age #healthier #research
