title: Animal studies of the effects of early nutrition on long-term health.
abstract: Small size at birth is associated with increased risk of a variety of common chronic diseases in adulthood. Numerous experimental studies in animals have supported the observations in humans, demonstrating that changes in nutrition in early life can lead to altered long-term health. Importantly, these effects can be independent of size at birth, and can depend on the interaction between nutritional events before and after birth. Both macro- and micronutrient intake are important. Furthermore, these effects may vary according to the nature, timing, severity and duration of the nutritional insult. This review provides examples from animal studies of evidence of these long-term effects, and some possible underlying mechanisms whereby nutrition in early life can affect long-term health.
authors: Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors: Jane E
authors: JE
authors: Harding
authors: Anne L
authors: AL
authors: Jaquiery
authors: Carlos E
authors: CE
authors: Hernandez
authors: Mark H
authors: MH
authors: Oliver
authors: José G B
authors: JG
authors: Derraik
authors: Frank H
authors: FH
authors: Bloomfield
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011247:Pregnancy