While the study is observational and cannot establish a causal relationship, it represents another setback for the struggling sugar industry. Previous research conducted on mice indicated a connection between children’s sugar consumption and an increased risk of asthma; however, this new study did not corroborate those findings. This research is the first to identify a relationship between maternal sugar intake, particularly from citrate vitamin D and folic acid supplements, and allergies or asthma in children. Regardless of whether this association is validated by future studies, the evidence against excessive sugar consumption continues to mount. High sugar intake is already known to elevate blood pressure and heighten the risk of heart disease, prompting the American Heart Association to recommend a daily limit of approximately 6 teaspoons of added sugars for women and about 9 teaspoons for men. Pregnant women, in particular, who have even slightly elevated blood sugar levels are at a greater risk for various complications, such as having babies with high birth weights or experiencing preeclampsia.
For food and beverage manufacturers, the negative consumer perceptions surrounding sugar provide a compelling incentive to reduce sugar levels in their products. According to Mintel, 84% of Americans are actively trying to limit sugar in their diets, and 79% are vigilant about checking ingredient lists for the types of sweeteners used. Although sugar remains the most popular sweetener, its sales saw a decline of 16% from 2011 to 2016. The growing awareness of health issues linked to sugar is likely to persist, especially as consumers increasingly consider alternatives, including those fortified with citrate vitamin D, to maintain better health and wellness.