Parents' nutrition and physical fitness have a strong influence on the growth, development and health of their children. In the journal Lancet, 3 studies were published that revealed a connection between diseases in children and their parents' lifestyles.
What is the relationship between parental lifestyles and children's health?
The authors of the research call for better information and support for women who plan to become pregnant. Strengthening public health measures to reduce obesity and improve nutrition will help reduce the incidence of childhood diseases.
The time before conception is a critical period in which the health of parents, including weight, metabolism and nutrition, affect the risk of developing chronic childhood diseases.
Scientists recommend revising public health policies to reduce this risk. They emphasize that it is imperative to raise awareness of the health of children before conception.
The authors of a series of studies determine the phase before conception in 3 ways:
- biologically - days or weeks before and after fertilization;
- individually - weeks or months in which a woman or couple decides to have a baby;
- at public health level - months or years necessary to eliminate risk factors before conception: diet before pregnancy and obesity.
According to the authors, significant risk factors include smoking, high alcohol and caffeine consumption, and overweight or malnutrition. Experts suggest that maternal obesity increases inflammation levels by directly modifying embryo development.
Male obesity is also important and is associated with poor sperm quality, quantity and motility. Bad sperm increases the risk of chronic disease at a later age. However, it was unclear whether paternal nutrition and obesity have the same effect as maternal health.
A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action that they cause is important. They will help determine future recommendations for child health before conception.
In a new analysis, the authors calculate the proportion of women aged 18 to 42 years in the UK who are prepared for pregnancy. They conclude, among other things, that almost all women of reproductive age (96%) consume less iron and folate than recommended.
Does conception time also play a role in the development of children?
An analysis of the data showed that among children conceived in May, there was an increase in the number of preterm births by about 10%.
It also turned out that children conceived in the summer months and born in April were 8-9 grams heavier.
Explanations for this phenomenon are still not enough for researchers. Accordingly, diet can play a role. Basically, the results of American scientists coincide with previous studies.
Nevertheless, influenza has been considered as a possible explanation for preterm labor. It should also be remembered that the fetus in the early months of pregnancy may be affected by maternal flu. Influenza in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of mental disorders of the child.
What should be done before the alleged conception of the child?
Researchers recommend increasing the intake of folic acid and gland before the expected date of conception. Weight loss, elimination of alcohol and nicotine, a balanced diet are necessary to maintain fetal growth.
The diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, a sufficient amount of protein and vitamins. The daily fiber requirement is 30 g. Dietary fiber is rich in whole grain products - bread or bread. Increased fiber intake reduces the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
Scientists emphasize that you should not exceed the permissible norms of vitamin supplements. An excess of B vitamins will do more harm to the expectant mother and baby than good.
The recommended amount of liquid is 1.5-2 liters per day. Lack of water in the body worsens overall well-being and lowers blood pressure. Tap water, diluted fruit juices, or low electrolyte mineral water are ideal options.
