Alice Klein's column for New Scientist examines the case for removing sugar from a child's diet during the first 1,000 days, a window that runs from conception to age two. The article notes that the list of age-related conditions that limiting sugar might help prevent is strikingly long, making the potential payoff sound substantial.
At the same time, Klein asks whether that evidence really means children should be kept away from sugar altogether. The column takes a look at the evidence for cutting out sugar during this period, and weighs the case for a complete ban.
The central question is whether the potential long-term benefits justify keeping children away from any sugar at all. The article presents the evidence and leaves readers to consider the trade-offs.