Is There Medical Evidence for 'Less Sugar for Children Is Better for Health'? HKUST Study: 23% Lower Dementia Risk if Consuming Less Sugar Before Age Two

Scientists suggest that consuming very little sugar before the age of two may help protect brain health decades later. This study analyzed the impact of the end of sugar rationing in the UK, during which dietary sugar intake rapidly increased. The results showed that individuals who were young children during the sugar rationing period had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia. While the study cannot provide definitive proof, experts say that a healthy diet is inherently beneficial for brain health. This is not the first study to highlight the importance of the first 1,000 days of life for long-term health. A series of studies have explored the 'natural experiment' created by the UK’s post-World War II recovery and the end of food rationing. After sugar rationing ended in September 1953, average sugar consumption is estimated to have nearly doubled overnight from about 41 grams (10 sugar cubes) per day to 80 grams (20 sugar cubes). Previous studies have linked this increase to higher rates of type 2 diabetes and elevated blood pressure years later. The latest study analyzed nearly 65,000 participants in the UK Biobank program. Conducted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the analysis compared children who grew up before and after the end of sugar rationing. Researchers found that experiencing sugar rationing before age two was associated with a 23% reduction in dementia levels and a delay in diagnosis by an average of two and a half years. Dr. Jiaying Zheng from HKUST Guangzhou said, 'Our findings suggest that limiting sugar intake during the earliest stages of life may have lasting benefits for brain health.' The related data has been published in the journal Neurology. However, Dr. Zheng emphasized that 'further research is needed' to understand whether sugar itself is directly responsible. Rachel Richardson, Head of Evidence Production Support and Manager of Methods Support at Cochrane, an independent nonprofit organization, said, 'They may have uncovered an important clue.' However, she noted that this 'does not constitute conclusive evidence linking childhood sugar intake to dementia.' One major issue is that it's impossible to know exactly how much sugar each individual in the study actually consumed; the analysis relies only on birth timing relative to the rationing period. Richardson added, 'The evidence involves people born in the 1940s and 1950s, so applicability to today’s children is limited. For example, weaning occurred earlier back then, which significantly impacts early nutrition.' Professor Ian Maidment, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at Aston University, said, 'It’s an interesting idea that helps drive discussion, but I think we need more evidence.' He noted that linking 'events from 80 years ago' to current health outcomes means 'a large number' of other factors could be at play. Dr. Sara Rodrigues from Alzheimer’s Research UK said, 'We must remember this is an observational study.' 'It can identify associations between diet and dementia risk, but it cannot prove that eating less sugar directly prevents dementia.' 'Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to support brain health, and it’s never too late to make positive changes.' This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. BBC journalists reviewed the translation before publication.