Low sugar in pregnancy linked to lower dementia risk, study suggests
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- A study published in Neurology suggests that lower sugar consumption during pregnancy and the first two years of life may reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 23% later in life.
- Researchers analyzed health records of over 64,000 people in the UK born before and after World War II sugar rationing ended in 1953, finding those with limited early sugar exposure developed dementia 2.6 years later on average.
- Experts caution that the study shows only an association and cannot prove causation, as other factors such as overall nutrition and calorie intake may have influenced the results.
- The study used historical sugar rationing as a proxy for individual sugar intake, which limits the ability to draw firm conclusions about sugar's direct impact on dementia risk.
- Health professionals continue to recommend pregnant women focus on a balanced diet rich in minimally processed foods while limiting ultra-processed foods high in sugar, starch, and salt.
