Less sugar during pregnancy, fewer chronic diseases
New findings from post-war studies and current research
A balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for the health of the child - also in the long term. The German diabetes Association (DDG) and the German Society for Endocrinology (DGE) are drawing attention to this on the occasion of their joint online press conference. New research results show: Excessive sugar consumption in the first 1,000 days of life increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure in adulthood. The two professional societies are calling for political measures to reduce sugar in food, especially in products for children and pregnant women.
The first 1,000 days are decisive
The period from conception to a child's 2nd birthday - i.e. the first 1,000 days - is a particularly sensitive phase for health development. "What is eaten during this time has an impact well into adulthood," explains Professor Dr. oec. troph. Sandra Hummel, head scientist for the research area "Lifestyle, obesity and epigenetic imprinting in type 1 and gestational diabetes" at the Institute of Diabetes Research at the Helmholtz Zentrum (DZD). A recent study from the UK shows just how formative this influence is: Those born there during the state sugar rationing after the Second World War had a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Less sugar, better health
"Reduced sugar consumption during pregnancy and early childhood lowers the risk of serious chronic diseases," says Hummel. The protective effect was particularly pronounced when sugar intake was restricted both during pregnancy and in the first months of life. This period coincides with the introduction of complementary foods - a particularly critical phase. "In the first 6 months of life, infants should not be given any added sugar at all if possible."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults and children should not consume more than 10 percent of their daily energy requirements from sugar. In fact, the average sugar consumption in Germany is around twice as high. "Children's foods often contain far too much sugar, and parents often choose unsuitable products," says the expert.
Fathers also have an influence
It is not only the mother-to-be's diet that is decisive: studies show that excessive sugar consumption or severe obesity in the father can also increase the child's risk of illness. Experts assume that epigenetic changes, i.e. changes in gene activity, play a role.
Professional societies call for clear political measures
The DDG and DGE see it as the duty of politicians to create a framework for a healthy diet. This includes
- a tax on high-sugar, highly processed foods,
- a targeted promotion of healthy alternatives,
- as well as a ban on advertising unhealthy children's products.
"Sugar must no longer be a cheap filler for children's foods. We need legal requirements that protect the health of the next generation," demands Hummel.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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