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Early-life nutrition: impacts on health and diseases

Submission Abstract:

In early life, organs and hormonal axes are especially susceptible to changes that can affect the intestinal mucosa, immune system, and long-term health. Critical factors in the developmental process, including maternal diet, type of delivery, breastfeeding, and the nutritional status of mothers and children, have gained prominence. Evidence suggests that windows of opportunity shape the lifelong health of infants. The field of epigenetics examines the role of epigenetic modifications in mediating the effects of biological and psychosocial stressors on an individual’s health and well-being. Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression, which can lead to changes in an individual’s phenotype. The effects of early-life adversity impact future health and may be passed on to future generations. Considering that environmental conditions in early life can influence the long-term risk of disease development in offspring—a phenomenon known as 'developmental programming'— articles on this topic represent an opportunity to advance our knowledge of the factors involved in programming and potential strategies for disease prevention.