It all starts in the womb

A strong link exists between malnutrition early in the life cycle and the risk of diabetes, obesity and other chronic degenerative diseases later. Recent research suggests that the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and even cancer in adulthood can originate when we are still in the womb. Weights of babies at birth and childhood growth patterns are strong determinants of these diseases. Low as well as high birth weight and rapid childhood growth are associated with adult diseases and disorders.

With the rise in cardio-vascular diseases, studies are now being done to find out if pre-natal and early post-natal nutrition play a role in these heart disorders which surface much later in life. The intra-uterine period (the part of the life spent inside the womb) is being studied to understand its relation to adult diseases. Intra-uterine period is indeed critical as almost three-fourth of cell divisions are over before we are born, that is to say, a newborn is almost a miniature adult.

The intake of certain micro-nutrients, proteins, amino acids, vitamin B12 and folic acid in the periconceptional stage can regulate metabolic characteristics and risk of adult diseases later. Post-natal nutrition including breastfeeding, protein intake in the first year of life and infant weight gain are also critical. Breastfeeding appears to have a protective effect.
Damage early in life leads can be permanent and can impact future generations as well. This highlights the importance of nutrition and preventive health. It provides a unique window of opportunity early in life to improve health in adulthood.

In the Indian context, where under-nutrition and over-nutrition co-exist, integrated policies and programmes need to be designed with focus on maternal and child health. In other words, public health policies need to address the life cycle rather than only concentrate on the end stages.