Malnutrition: The impact of the first 1000 days

Abstract

Nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to age 2, plays a crucial role in development and growth, as well as preventing long-term health problems. Researchers are focused on understanding the impact of poor nutrition during these stages, as it can result in physical, cognitive and immunological delays with significant consequences in the individual's future life. Analytical techniques such as Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry are studied to evaluate the metabolic phenotype and better understand the nutritional needs at each stage.

During the prenatal stage, the mother is the only source of nutrients for the embryo and fetus, which influences the size of the newborn. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to inadequate nutrition can lead to amino acid and carnitine deficiencies, warranting studies on supplementation with these nutrients. Furthermore, in the early postnatal stage, breast milk is essential for optimal development and growth, while malnutrition in early childhood remains a challenge in developing countries, with common deficiencies in micronutrients such as iron and zinc, increasing the risk of infections and infant mortality.