NEW STUDY REVEALS THE IMPACT OF SUGAR ON BABY’S HEALTH

From pregnancy cravings to navigating a toddler’s sweet tooth, sugar is often a tempting part of our daily lives. But a recent research study reveals that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy through their second birthday, hold the key to setting the foundation for long-term health. Baby food with fruits and vegetables. ADOBE STOCK IMAGES The study, published in Science, underscores how reducing sugar intake during these early years for babies can significantly lower the risk of serious health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, later in life. The study, conducted by researchers from USC, McGill, and UC Berkeley, highlights the lasting impact of nutrition during this critical period. According to the research, “a low-sugar environment in utero alone accounted for a third of the health benefits.” Baby eating baby food. ADOBE STOCK IMAGES By reducing sugar intake both during pregnancy and through the first two years of life, children had a 35% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure. Even for those who did develop these conditions, the onset was delayed by several years. Surprisingly, “about a third of the reduced risk...