India, Sept. 23 -- Exposure to sugar during the first 1,000 days of life may increase the risk of developing anxiety in adulthood, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Surrey.

Scientists also found that sugar intake during early life may influence brain development, with significant differences identified in 11 of the 80 brain regions examined.

The study investigated how exposure to sugar during early life affects mental health in adulthood, dietary preferences and neurodevelopment. Researchers found that the risk of developing anxiety was lowest among people who had the least exposure to sugar in the womb and during the first two years of life.

"Because we've seen in our previous work links between the liking o...