A study conducted by researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology investigates the effect of early-life sugar consumption on dementia risk. The research utilizes the natural experiment of sugar rationing in the United Kingdom after World War II.
Sugar rationing in the UK ended in September 1953. During the rationing period, average daily sugar consumption was about 41 grams. After rationing ended, daily sugar consumption quickly rose to about 80 grams.
The study analyzed individuals born between 1951 and 1956. Reports on the total number of participants vary, with some citing 60,394 individuals and others reporting approximately 65,000. Early-life sugar restriction was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with estimates ranging from 23% to 27% for general dementia risk reduction.
Researcher Jiazhen Zheng stated that limiting sugar consumption in the earliest periods of life can provide lasting benefits for brain health.
Individuals with early-life sugar restriction received a dementia diagnosis 2.5 years later on average, according to some reports, while others note diagnosis at an older age without specifying the delay. The study also found that early-life sugar restriction was associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Biological indicators of brain aging were more positive in those with early-life sugar restriction. The study focused on added sugars, such as those from sugary drinks, biscuits, and cakes, rather than naturally occurring sugars.
The study acknowledges that it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, as actual sugar intake was not measured and other factors may have influenced results. The World Health Organization recommends no sugar-sweetened beverages for children under two years old.
The study was published in the journal Neurology.