Why a child’s first 1,000 days should be sugar-free

Decreasing your child’s sugar intake may significantly reduce their likelihood of developing certain chronic diseases. That’s according to research published in the journal “Science.”

After analyzing data from more than 60,000 babies in the UK during a World War II sugar rationing, researchers determined reducing sugar consumption beginning at conception through age 2 (a child’s first 1,000 days) led to decreased chance of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure – 35% and 20%, respectively. They also noted a decrease in the lifelong preference for sugar among adults who consumed less of it in utero.

“While this data is certainly old, it does highlight the benefits of monitoring added sugar intake during pregnancy and avoiding added sugar consumption for children under 2 years,” says Dr. Julie Malachinski, a pediatrician with Advocate Children’s Hospital. “The USDA’s current Dietary Guidelines recommend children under 2 years of age consume no added sugar and children over 2 years limit their added sugar to less than 10% of their total daily calories.”

Dr. Malachinski acknowledges how difficult it can be to avoid added sugar, especially since it is often included in foods labeled as “healthy” or marketed for babies and young children.

“When you are choosing a food or drink for your child, read the nutrition label. Check the line that specifies how much added sugar is in the item. You may be shocked, especially when looking at juices,” she says.

For that reason, Dr. Malachinski recommends skipping juice entirely and opting for real fruits and vegetables instead. “The easiest way to avoid added sugar is to stick to as much whole food as possible. Set an example for your child and choose healthy options when snacking or serving meals. And of course, when it comes to food, everything in moderation.”

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