Consuming a low sugar diet during pregnancy does not put the child at risk of disease after birth: Research

New Delhi, November 1 (IANS). A research has revealed that if the mother takes a low-sugar diet during pregnancy, the risk of diseases in the first two years of the child's birth can be reduced to a great extent.

A study conducted by researchers in the US and Canada has found new and fascinating evidence about the lifelong health effects of childhood sugar consumption.

Children who were not given sugar during the first 1,000 days after conception had a 35 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The study published in the journal Science showed that it can reduce the risk of high blood pressure in adults by 20 percent.

Diabetes and hypertension are the most common non-communicable diseases that impose a huge health burden worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends no added sugar for children under two years of age and no more than 12 teaspoons (50 grams) of added sugar per day for adults.

It is noteworthy that the risk can be reduced only by banning sugar during pregnancy.

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal and the University of California, Berkeley, said that if followed, it could improve the quality of life as we age.

In addition to reducing the cost of treatment each year, early diagnosis of diabetes means years of life gained. Delay in treatment of diabetes has also been reported to result in a loss of three to four years of life.

Excessive consumption of added sugar in children's early life is worrisome for their long-term health.

Limiting children's sugar consumption is not easy, however, because added sugar is everywhere. It is also present in the food of young children.

The research calls on policymakers to hold food companies accountable so that they reformulate children's meals with healthier alternatives. It has also been said that food companies should impose tax on sweet foods made for children.

–IANS

MKS/CBT