Understanding the Risk Factors for Early Life Sugar Consumption: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Global understanding of early-life sugar consumption risk factors remains limited, hindering effective intervention strategies.
• Mapping these factors is essential for targeted public health initiatives in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review mapping evidence on risk factors for early sugar introduction (first two years of life).
• To characterize the methodological features of studies investigating early sugar introduction.

Main Methods:

• A Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) strategy was employed for study identification.
• Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and Web of Science databases.
• Included studies were interventional or observational, focusing on risk factors for sugar introduction in infants up to two years of age.

Main Results:

• Nineteen papers involving 43,622 children across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania were included.
• Earlier sugar introduction was associated with greater socioeconomic inequalities and maternal factors (lower education, younger age, single parenthood, more siblings).
• Behavioral risk factors included higher parental sugar intake, maternal smoking, and shorter breastfeeding duration.

Conclusions:

• Identified risk factors can guide future strategies to prevent early sugar consumption in infants.
• Methodological variations across studies highlight areas for improvement in future research design and execution.