Consuming sugar in childhood and earlier can mean diabetes and later hypertension. Here’s why

People who are exposed to fewer refined sugars in the first days of life may have better results when it comes to reducing the risk of diabetes and hypertension decades later, according to research recently published in The Guardian magazine. magazine Science.

For their study, researchers extracted information from the British biobank – a large, anonymous database with medical information – focused on people born during the British sugar rationing period during the World War II era. During this period, which lasted into the 1950s, sugar was limited to what researchers believe is currently in line with current standards. today’s dietary guidelines — approximately less than 40 grams for adults and less than 15 grams for children. After sugar rationing ended, consumption reportedly doubled.

When we compared people conceived shortly before the end of sugar rationing with people conceived shortly afterward, those who began sugar rationing at a young age had a 35% lower risk of diabetes and a 20% lower risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) . The findings suggest that both sugar exposure in utero (sugar exposure to a fetus during pregnancy) and sugar consumption in early life, when a child is introduced to solid foods, may determine lifelong health trends.

Katie Thomson, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Square babyan organic baby food company, says it is surprised by the impact of the research.

“This was the first time I really saw data on how much it affects their disease risk later in life, and how it might influence their preferences,” Thomson said, speaking of babies and children.

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Researchers wrote that the phenomenon may be due to sugar “altering physiological programming in the womb.” What’s more, being fed sugar as a baby and toddler can lead to “a lifelong preference for sweets,” they say, suggesting that a little sugar taste could influence our tendency to do so later in life when we choose our foods as adults.

However, the study does not prove what caused the link, and researchers concluded that more research is needed on the effects of early sugar exposure and their “pathways to impact long-term health.” But regardless of whether future studies define a stronger influence on early sugar or food exposure and health later in life, parents may have more agency than they realize about how daily food choices can affect their children’s health.

Thomson called the findings potentially “motivating” for parents in terms of the variety and type of food they can give their child. However, she acknowledged that many are already under pressure to feed a fussy toddler or child.

“Parents feel stressed about every decision,” Thomson said, cautioning against feeling like you have to change your child’s diet overnight or get into arguments about it. While it’s generally easier to form habits the younger, “it’s never too late” to expand your palate, she said.

Thomson also pointed out potential pitfalls of the popularity of food packaged in pouches for children: While it is convenient, children can become so addicted to it that they avoid other foods. For tips on getting your kids used to eating a variety of foods, Thomson suggested incorporating them into meals in a more obvious way. For example, while adding sweet potato to brownies makes them more nutritious, the taste and experience of the sweet potato remain completely hidden.

Instead, try adding a brand new vegetable as a topping to the pizza, or combine a new food with something they already love in a way that doesn’t hide it.

In general, focus on the “meaningful, small changes” you can make to a diet, Thomson said. And this can apply to both children and adults. “Think about those little victories.”