Early Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Human Health

The quantity and quality of nutrition experienced during embryonic and fetal development shapes the physiology and metabolic function of adults. In this way, periods of famine or nutritional excess leave a lasting memory that plays a powerful role in determining the health of an individual, alongside their adult lifestyle. These relationships are powerfully demonstrated through epidemiological studies and animal experiments that show maternal undernutrition and maternal obesity during pregnancy are associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic disturbance in the resulting offspring. Current understanding suggests that maternal diet-induced changes in gene expression and epigenetic regulatory factors play a pivotal role in shaping organ development and responses to the adult environment. Further understanding the mechanism which links early diet to later consequences is of great importance. Discovery of new biomarkers of diagnostic value or of mechanisms that are the start point for novel therapeutics can become a new bedrock for personalized medicine.