A balanced diet during pregnancy is of central importance for the health of the child – and this continues long after birth. The German Diabetes Association (DDG ) and the German Society for Endocrinology (DGE) point this out and call for effective political measures to curb sugar consumption in food, especially with regard to products for children and pregnant women.

The importance of the first 1000 days of life

The phase from conception until a child reaches the age of two – the so-called first 1000 days – has a decisive influence on the risk of later illnesses. New research shows that excessive sugar consumption during this period measurably increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure in adulthood. A British study also provides evidence of this: people who grew up during the state sugar rationing after the Second World War show a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in adulthood.

Risks and recommendations

Sugar intake should be kept low during pregnancy and especially in the first few months of the child’s life. Restraint is particularly important in the phase when complementary foods are introduced. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and adults cover a maximum of 10 percent of their daily energy requirements with sugar. In fact, the average sugar consumption in Germany is around twice as high – ready-made children’s foods often contain large amounts of sugar, which increases the risk of unhealthy development.

The influence of mother and father

Not only the expectant mother, but also the father influences the child’s later risk of disease through his diet and body weight. Current studies show that high sugar consumption or severe obesity in the father can also have negative effects, with epigenetic changes – i.e. changes in gene activity – being held responsible in particular.

Demands on politicians

The two professional societies are calling for the introduction of an effective policy framework to reduce sugar intake and protect children’s health. The proposed measures include:

• Taxation of high-sugar, highly processed foods
• Promoting healthy alternatives
• Advertising bans for unhealthy children’s products

The aim is to no longer allow sugar as a cheap additive in children’s foods, but to protect the health of the next generation in the long term.

Further information:

Joint press conference of the German Diabetes Society (DDG) and the German Society of Endocrinology (DGE): Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft e.V.

Editorial office: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided for the sake of better readability ected.