Pregnant women should limit their sugar intake to protect their children's mental health, experts warn

Published: 22:01, 11 July 2026 | Updated: 22:01, 11 July 2026 Pregnant women should limit their sugar intake to protect their children’s future mental health, experts warn. A study shows that Baby Boomers born during post-war rationing grew up suffering less anxiety and depression. Those conceived before sugar restrictions were lifted in 1953 had up to 25 per cent lower risk of being diagnosed with the conditions in later life. Health experts said last night that the NHS should introduce strict recommendations for expectant mothers. The results of the study, published in the journal General Psychiatry, back recent evidence suggesting a link between maternal sugar consumption and child brain development. The study says: ‘Sugar restriction in the first 1,000 days after conception plays a crucial role in mental health later in life. ‘Future public health guidelines and policies should consider including recommendations to reduce intake among pregnant women and young children.’ Pregnant women should limit their sugar intake to protect their children’s future mental health, experts warn Sugar was one of the last goods to be made freely available again after the end of the war. Consumption of sugar rose 71 per cent once restrictions ended. Current NHS guidelines say babies aged one can consume up to 10g per day – the equivalent of two and a half sugarcubes. Dietitian Sarah Schenker, author of My Sugar Free Baby And Me, backed the call for new recommended limits. She said: ‘What this research shows quite powerfully is that sugar is not just bad for your teeth and waistline, but it can damage mental health too.’