Low sugar intake in early childhood significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life, according to a new study reported by infohub.kz.
Researchers led by epidemiologist Jiajian Zheng from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Guangzhou analyzed data from nearly 65,000 people in the UK Biobank. The sample included individuals who were in the womb or in their first two years of life between July 1942 and June 1954, a period when sugar was rationed in the UK, limiting daily intake to 41 grams per person.
Comparing outcomes, the study found that those whose sugar consumption was restricted during their first two years had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia and a 28% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to those born after rationing ended. Among participants who did develop these conditions, diagnosis occurred on average nearly three years later.
The authors emphasize that the first 1,000 days of life are crucial for brain development and neural connections. High sugar intake has previously been linked to diabetes and hypertension, and this study now demonstrates its long-term impact on cognitive function. Health experts recommend that parents strictly limit added sugar in the diets of young children.