Reducing sugar intake in first two years may benefit brain health, study finds

A recent scientific study has found that consuming very low amounts of sugar during the first two years of life may be linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia in later years. The study noted that individuals whose sugar intake was restricted in early childhood were 23% less likely to develop dementia.

The research, conducted by scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, analyzed data from around 65,000 participants in the UK Biobank project. The aim was to examine the relationship between sugar consumption in early life and brain health in older age.

Researcher Jiachen Cheng, a member of the study team, explained that the findings suggest limiting sugar intake in the earliest stages of life may have long-term benefits for brain health. He emphasized the need for further research to better understand the link between sugar consumption and dementia risk.

Experts highlighted that while the study offers important insights into the impact of early nutrition on future health, it does not conclusively prove that reducing sugar directly prevents dementia. They stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet to support brain health.