A British study suggests that a very low-sugar diet during early childhood may be associated with a reduced risk of anxiety in adulthood. Researchers from the University of Surrey analyzed data from 46,448 adults born between October 1951 and March 1956, using historical sugar rationing in the United Kingdom as a natural experiment. Those who were exposed to sugar rationing for the full 1000 days from conception to two years old showed a one-third lower risk of anxiety and a 29% lower risk of depression compared to those who consumed sugar freely. However, the link with depression became non-significant when other factors were considered. The study, published in Translational Psychiatry in August 2026, notes that the findings indicate an association, not a causation. The World Health Organization recommends that both children and adults limit free sugars—those added to foods, as well as those present in honey, syrups, and fruit juices—to less than 10% of daily energy intake, ideally to 5%, or about 25 grams per day for an adult. The study also highlights that sugar is not the sole factor influencing childhood anxiety, as other environmental and genetic factors play significant roles. A 2009 review in Psychological Medicine noted that children of anxious parents and those with inhibited temperaments are more vulnerable to anxiety. Additionally, difficult life events and parental behavior can influence a child's anxiety levels, with the study emphasizing the importance of listening to children and helping them face their fears. While the research points to a potential benefit of reduced sugar intake in early life, it underscores that multiple factors contribute to mental health outcomes, and no single cause can be identified. The findings do not suggest that reducing sugar intake will prevent anxiety in all individuals, but they add to the growing body of research exploring the relationship between diet and mental health. Future studies may explore how different aspects of nutrition influence psychological well-being over a person's lifetime.