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Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life represents a window of opportunity to reduce the risk of metabolic dysfunctions later in life. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and adequate introduction of solid foods are essential to promote metabolic and nutritional benefits. We evaluated the association of infant feeding practices from birth to 6 months (M) with adiposity indicators at 12 M. We performed a secondary analysis of 106 healthy term infants born from a cohort of healthy pregnant women. Type of breastfeeding (exclusive or nonexclusive), the start of complementary feeding (CF) (before (<4 M) or after (≥4 M)), and adiposity (body mass index – BMI, body mass index-for-age – BMI/A, waist circumference – WC, and waist circumference–length ratio – WLR) were evaluated at 12 M using descriptive statistics, mean differences, X2, and linear regression models. During the first 6 M, 28.3% (n = 30) of the infants received EBF. Early CF (<4 M) was present in 26.4% (n = 28) of the infants. Children who started CF < 4 M were less breastfed, received added sugars as the most frequently introduced food category, and showed higher BMI, BMI/A, WC, and WLR; those who consumed added sugars early (<4 M) had a higher WC. Starting CF < 4 M was the main factor associated with a higher WC at 12 M. Unhealthy infant feeding practices, such as lack of EBF, early CF, and early introduction of sugars, may be associated with higher adiposity at 12 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal development is characterized by great plasticity and the ability to respond to environmental factors, where DNA methylation is essential for proper embryonic development. One-carbon metabolism provides methyl groups for methylation and fetal DNA development and is highly dependent on maternal nutritional status. During pregnancy, the supply of methyl donors is critical and the demand for nutrients that support this process, such as folate and vitamin B12, is increased. Insufficiency or imbalance of these 2 micronutrients can alter epigenetic patterns, DNA synthesis and repair, and affect fetal growth and development, having negative long-term consequences on the offspring's health. Folate and vitamin B12 status have been associated with wide DNA methylation, as well as with specific genes related to neurological functions, embryonic development, energy metabolism, growth, and leptin. Furthermore, inadequate concentrations of both vitamins have been associated with an increased risk of perinatal outcomes such as neural tube defects, prematurity, low birth weight, pre-eclampsia, as well as maternal and infant obesity and insulin resistance, and decreased infant neurocognitive development. Supplementation, combined with a healthy diet, could be an essential strategy to prevent these results and improve maternal and fetal health., (Copyright: © 2020 Permanyer.)

Health promotion and disease prevention are essential components of prenatal care. Maternal nutrient insufficiencies could negatively impact the morbidity and mortality of the mother-fetus pair as well as the health of the next generations. Although a healthy diet is usually sufficient to meet the increased nutrient needs, supplementation is part of routine care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and optimal fetal development. Currently, iron and folic acid supplementation is the only globally accepted recommendation for all pregnant women. However, there are vulnerable groups of women who could benefit from complementary individualized supplementation schemes. Recently, relevant information has been published related to the supplementation of single and multiple micronutrients with significant effects on maternal and fetal health, which could have implications in the clinical practice of health professionals. This review presents scientific evidence and the recommendations of different entities on the supplementation of iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamin D and multiple micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy., (Copyright: © 2020 Permanyer.)