Researchers have discovered that nutrition in the first years of life can influence health even seventy years later. In Great Britain after the Second World War, sugar rations were introduced which were limited per family and person. This offered a unique opportunity to investigate how less sugar in early years can influence later life.
The research showed that people who consumed less sugar in their first 1,000 days after birth developed certain forms of cancer less often at a later age. In addition, they showed signs of a slower ageing process. This suggests that early sugar restriction can have a beneficial effect on biological ageing.
What stood out was that this group also ate less sugar around the age of fifty and continued to eat more healthily. This may mean that early eating habits not only have a direct effect, but also influence later preferences and lifestyle. A healthy start can therefore contribute to a healthier and longer life.
Healthy nutrition in early childhood can thus be an important foundation for healthy ageing. It is a valuable reminder to also continue paying attention to the nutrition of young children.
Source: Original article
