Cutting added sugar before age 2 linked to lower dementia, depression risk in later life

• Past studies show that an infant’s nutrition in the first days of life can affect their health later in life.
• A new study found that infants exposed to less sugar in their first 1,000 days of life experienced lower risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia from any cause as adults.
• Scientists also found that consuming less sugar during the first 1,000 days of life also led to a lower risk of depression and anxiety later in life.

Past studies show that an infant’s nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life can affect their health later in life.

A healthy, nourishing diet during the first years of life is important for establishing a healthy gut microbiome, building a strong immune system, and supporting brain development.

Previous research has found that not being exposed to proper nutrition early in life can potentially increase a person’s risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

Now, a new study published in the journal npj Aging says that infants exposed to less sugar in their first 1,000 days of life experienced lower risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia from any cause as adults.