The mother’s diet may influence a child’s lifelong health, according to a new study. Published in the journal Science, it was found that reducing sugar in the first 1,000 days after conception, throughout gestation, and up to the age of 2 of the child may help cut the risk of chronic illnesses, especially diabetes, in adulthood. The researchers indicated that the risk of type 2 diabetes was reduced by about 35 per cent while high blood pressure risk was cut by roughly 20 per cent. “They also found a delay in disease onset of four and two years, respectively,” it read.
The
study authors looked at data from before and after the end of the United
Kingdom’s World War II-era sugar rationing in September 1953 when the UK began
rationing to allow “fair shares” of food for the country during the wartime
shortage. According to the Imperial War Museums, access to foods like sugar,
fats, bacon, meat, and cheese was limited. However, when the rationing of sugar
and sweets ended in September 1953, sugar consumption doubled immediately.
Why
is sugar a concern?
Dr
Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology at Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De
Neela Initiative, said obesity drives the epidemic of diabetes, cancer, and
heart disease. “Sugar cravings are often rooted in both biology and psychology.
Biologically, sugar stimulates dopamine release, giving a “feel-good”
sensation. Over time, this can become habit-forming, leading to cravings.
Here’s
what happens when you forgo sugar (Source: Freepik)
“I
strongly believe sugar is the biggest addiction in this world. During periods
like World War II, many countries rationed sugar due to limited availability.
People adapted by using substitutes or simply consuming less. These rationing
periods highlighted how reducing sugar availability influenced dietary habits,
and obesity rates were much lower. Post-rationing, however, sugar intake
surged, correlating with an increase in obesity rates,” added Dr Kovil.
Our
forefathers used to get food once in a while. “Hence, our genes store fat in
the liver, muscles, etc, to make it available when food is unavailable. This is
called the thrifty gene hypothesis,” said Dr Kovil.
This
hypothesis suggests that humans evolved to efficiently store energy in the form
of fat during food abundance. “In ancient times, people faced frequent food
scarcity, so individuals with a ‘thrifty’ genotype who stored fat more
effectively were more likely to survive during famines. This adaption in our
genes becomes a liability and maladaption today when we have abundant food,”
said Dr Kovil.
Today,
however, this once-beneficial genetic trait can lead to an increased risk of
obesity and metabolic disorders. “In a world where high-calorie, sugar-rich
foods are easily accessible, the ‘thrifty’ genotype may contribute to weight
gain and obesity, as these individuals are predisposed to store excess energy,”
said Dr Kovil.
What
are the effects of sugar on maternal and child health?
Dr
Poonam Sidana, director of neonatology and paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital,
Delhi, noted that the first 1000 days of life, which include the 40 weeks of
pregnancy (approximately 280 days) and the first two years of life (about 730
days), are crucial for a child’s development. “This period is essential for
optimal nutrition, and recent research has refocused attention on the impact of
high sugar intake during pregnancy,” said Dr Sidana.
The
findings reinforce the idea that excessive sugar intake during pregnancy,
particularly among mothers who are overweight or consume more sugar than
recommended, can have lasting effects on both maternal and child health.
“Public health experts have long recognised the importance of improved
nutrition in the first 1000 days of life, linking maternal health and nutrition
with long-term cognitive development, risk of chronic diseases, and lifestyle
issues in the child’s future. If a mother is overweight before or during
pregnancy, there is a heightened risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension,
and obesity in the newborn. Overweight infants are more likely to experience
complications, such as the need for cesarean or instrumental deliveries,” said
Dr Sidana.
Furthermore,
if a mother consumes high-sugar, processed foods, she may be “depriving herself
and her baby of other essential nutrients, impacting both their health.”
“Studies indicate that babies exposed to high sugar content in utero are at
increased risk of obesity, allergies, and chronic conditions like diabetes and
hypertension later in life,” said Dr Sidana.
The
importance of maternal health extends beyond pregnancy. A “life cycle approach”
to women’s health is essential, which includes promoting a healthy diet,
ensuring vaccination,
and
conducting pre-pregnancy check-ups to identify and address any issues early.
“During pregnancy, guidance on healthy eating, with a focus on fresh foods,
whole grains, and regular exercise, can significantly improve outcomes,” said
Dr Sidana.
Breastfeeding,
particularly exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, is also
essential for a child’s immunity, neurodevelopment, and long-term health.
“Research shows that mothers with healthier lifestyles during pregnancy are
more likely to breastfeed. Once the child begins semi-solids, the focus should
remain on fresh, home-cooked food, with natural sweeteners like fruits and nuts
rather than processed sugars,” said Dr Sidana, emphasising that it helps
support healthy habits in young women, mothers, and infants.
No comments:
Post a Comment