Limiting sugar before age two linked to better brain health

A study published in the journal Neurology suggests that limiting sugar intake during the first two years of life may reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers analyzed data from the UK BioBank, comparing individuals who grew up during sugar rationing with those who did not.
Why it matters
The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the long-term impact of early-life nutrition on cognitive health.
Image source, Getty Images By James Gallagher Health and science correspondent Published 12 minutes ago Scientists have suggested eating very little sugar up to the age of two may help protect the brain decades later.
The research analysed the impact of the end of sugar rationing in the UK which led to a rapid increase in the amount of sugar in people's diets.
The results suggest those who were toddlers during sugar rationing had a 23% lower risk of dementia.
The study cannot provide definitive proof, but experts say a healthy diet is good for the brain anyway.
Sugar in first 1,000 days linked to poor health later
Published 31 October 2024 This is not the first study to suggest the first 1,000 days of life are critically important for our future health.
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