Restricting sugar in the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age two, can significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety disorders later in life, according to a study published in npj Aging.
Researchers analyzed data from 60,394 UK Biobank participants born between 1951 and 1956. They compared the health outcomes of individuals whose first 1,000 days occurred during a period of sugar rationing with those born after rationing was lifted.
The findings showed that people with lower early childhood sugar intake had a 46 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and a 27 percent lower risk of dementia. Their risk of anxiety disorders was 20 percent lower, while depression risk fell by 11 percent.
Brain aging and memory
The most pronounced benefit occurred in participants who continued receiving limited sugar after birth. Simple sugar restriction during pregnancy alone had almost no impact on long-term brain health.
Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that participants in the restricted sugar group had brains that aged slower, averaging a biological age 0.39 years younger than their calendar age. They also showed larger volumes in the hippocampus and thalamus, key areas for memory and cognitive function.
The study authors emphasized that the findings do not prove a direct cause and effect relationship. However, they noted that limiting added sugar in early childhood may be an important factor in protecting long-term brain health. Earlier research indicated that vitamin D deficiency in middle age also increases Alzheimer's disease risk.
