The New Study on Sugar in Early Years

Many recent headlines are talking about the effects of sugar in a child’s first 1,000 days – the period from conception to their second birthday. While the idea that early nutrition influences long-term health isn’t new, recent research offers more detailed insights. The study suggests that limiting added sugar during this crucial period may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, later in life. 

With so many mixed messages online and on social media, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what this means and what to do. Many in the PedsDocTalk community have reached out with questions, and understandably so. How much sugar is too much? What about formula? And where do naturally occurring sugars fit in? It’s helpful to start by breaking down what this study truly says, what’s most relevant to you as a parent, and how to make realistic, meaningful changes without adding stress.

Breaking down the study

The study took advantage of a unique historical period to examine the impact of sugar intake during a child’s first 1,000 days, from conception through toddlerhood. Researchers looked at health data from people born around the end of World War II-era sugar rationing in the UK, a time when sugar was limited to levels similar to today’s guidelines. When restrictions ended in 1953, sugar consumption nearly doubled, providing a natural comparison of children exposed to low vs. higher levels of added sugars during early development.

This study is intriguing because it offers a “natural experiment” by using a time in history when sugar intake was strictly regulated, allowing researchers to make observations without directly controlling for every variable. This setup provides valuable data on how lower sugar exposure in early childhood can influence long-term health outcomes, something that would be challenging to study otherwise. Of course, it’s also important to remember that this was a very different time and place, with factors like food availability, diet diversity, and lifestyle that differ from now, which may limit how we apply these findings directly.

Still, the results are compelling. Children who had lower sugar exposure in utero and early childhood showed a 35% lower risk of developing diabetes and a 20% lower risk of high blood pressure in adulthood, along with a delay in the onset of these diseases by several years. This suggests that even modest limits on added sugar in those critical early years can offer lasting health benefits.

The study also highlighted the difference between added and naturally occurring sugars. Added sugars– found in processed foods, sweetened drinks, and snacks– don’t provide the beneficial nutrients that naturally occurring sugars do. Foods with natural sugars, like fruits and vegetables, come with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help the body process sugar more effectively, supporting metabolic health and stable blood sugar levels. Ultimately, the study shows that even small changes, like focusing on whole foods and reducing sugary snacks, can support a child’s health for years to come. It’s not about an all-or-nothing approach– just a few mindful choices can make a real difference.

Of note, lifestyle has an impact as well. Could it be that those that lean into added sugars in pregnancy tend to incorporate more added sugars in their life and their child’s life postpartum? Are there other medical conditions or nutrition pieces we are missing including access to regular exercise as well?

“Why the first 1,000 days?”

The first 1,000 days – from conception to a child’s second birthday– are critical for growth and development. During this time, children’s bodies and brains are rapidly developing, and nutrition plays a huge role in setting the foundation for long-term health – this is not news. This makes the first 1,000 days an ideal window for parents to focus on balanced, nutrient-risk foods and limit added sugars.

“How much sugar is too much?”

So, is this study saying “no sugar ever”? No– it’s focused on limiting added sugars. Health experts, including the AAP and AHA, advise that children under two avoid added sugars and children over two keep added sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons, or 25 grams, per day.

Being mindful of added sugars can help shift our perspective. It’s not about cutting out every sweet taste, but rather about keeping added sugars low to support children’s health and help shape their preferences for less sugary foods as they grow.

For both our kids, we gave occasional added sugars between 1-2. Maybe a taste of a cake at a birthday party or a piece of candy. I never once felt I was sending my child down a path of obesity because we created a culture of celebrating foods in moderation. Even a few weeks ago, my 17-month old had a taste of a Reese’s peanut butter cup and said “YUMM!” because girl, agreed! It is yum.

“Where do naturally occurring sugars fit in? What is the difference between added vs. natural sugars?”

Naturally occurring sugars– like those found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy– are different from added sugars found in processed foods. Foods with natural sugar come with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help the body regulate sugar absorption, keeping the blood sugar levels more stable. These foods provide essential nutrients and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Added sugars are those included during food processes– think of granulated sugar or sweaters to enhance taste. These sugars are common in sodas, candies, and packaged snacks, and sometimes in unexpected foods like yogurts and condiments. These foods can still have a place in a balanced diet, but they’re ones to be mindful of and check labels for, so you know how much added sugar they contain.

“What about formula? And the corn syrup in formula”

Infant formula sometimes contains lactose, corn syrup solids, or other carbohydrates to provide essential energy for growth, and these ingredients are carefully regulated. The carbohydrates in formula are safe and necessary for healthy development.

While it may feel concerning to see ingredients like corn syrup on the label, they’re included to meet specific nutritional needs and are not the same as added sugars in processed foods. Corn syrup is often misunderstood due to its association with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is found in many processed foods and sugary drinks. However, the corn syrup solids used in infant formula are different. In formula, corn syrup serves as a safe, digestible carbohydrate source to support growth and development, mimicking the sugars in breast milk.

If you have specific concerns, consider talking with your baby’s clinician, who can guide you toward a formula with a carbohydrate profile that aligns with your preferences and meets your baby’s needs.

“What can I do as a parent?”

Supporting your child’s health doesn’t require an “all-or-nothing” approach– small, mindful choices can make a real difference. Here are a few steps to consider to reduce added sugars:

• Focus on whole foods: Aim to offer a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins that naturally provide nutrients your child needs. Download this free PedsDocTalk guide on toddler nutrition.

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Choose snacks without minimal added sugars. For Ryaan’s school snacks, we aim for bars with under 8g of added sugars and lean on naturally occurring sugars from fruit. Protein-rich bars work well for him (he loves his bars for snack time!) Also, opt for water or milk over sugary drinks – these can add up quickly.

• Model balanced choices: We know it’s true– children learn by example. So, demonstrating balanced eating can help them develop healthy preferences. This also includes being okay with added sugar in your diet and not demonizing it because well–it’s a part of our life and we can have a healthy relationship with it

• Read labels: Check ingredient lists for added sugars to stay aware of what’s in the foods you’re choosing. You might be surprised! Sometimes it’s as simple as finding an alternative snack with fewer or no added sugars.

Don’t panic if you bend the rules: We have given added sugar under two, but our children are well rounded eaters. The biggest sign I know we’re raising a child with a healthy relationship with sweets is there is no hoarding, binge eating, and sometimes our son will even leave a sweet candy or cake unfinished because he’s full. This is all about the big picture. We incorporate home cooked food, take-out, frozen foods, and sweets as a balanced moderation with prioritizing lean meats, veggies and fruits.

A few thoughts moving forward…

This study adds to our understanding of nutrition, but it’s about progress– not perfection. There’s no need to stress over every gram of added sugar or track daily charts. Want to make a smash cake with sugar? Go for it! A little sugar for a special occasion won’t lead to negative health consequences on its own. It’s the big picture – a lifestyle approach that truly matters.

Small, intentional choices can make a difference. Emphasize whole foods, limit processed snacks, and focus on creating a healthy, enjoyable food environment without putting sweets on a pedestal. Building this kind of balance can help your child develop a positive relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.

Finally, this study is part of a broader push for change that goes beyond individual families. While it’s not groundbreaking news, it serves as an important reminder of the small, meaningful steps we can take. More importantly, it provides concrete evidence that can inspire positive change in schools, communities, and the food industry. When policymakers and organizations see data like this, it supports the momentum to make healthy choices more accessible in places where our children eat, play, and learn.

On The Podcast

Society wants us to raise our boys to be “tough” but boys are more complex and as parents we need to help them navigate the cultural pressures and protect their emotional well-being. We need to understand the impact of feeling inadequate and the importance of fostering empathy towards boys during their development. This week, I welcome Ruth Whippman, an author, essayist and cultural critic, to discuss how we can support boys in embracing their emotions and navigating their growth.

She joins me to discuss:

• How boys face indirect societal pressures that discourage emotional expression

• Why feelings of inadequacy regarding masculinity can trigger harmful behaviors, including violence.

• The need to recognize boys’ struggles and foster a positive narrative that empowers them.

On YouTube

This video breaks down viral rashes in kids, highlighting the Fifth Disease (Slapped Cheek Disease or Parvovirus B19) and the Sixth Disease (Roseola). Learn about symptoms, causes, and care tips!

Ask Dr. Mona

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