• View ecochildsplay’s profile on Facebook
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Twitter
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Instagram
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Pinterest
  • View Jennifer Lance’s profile on LinkedIn
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on YouTube
  • View ecochildsplay’s profile on Google+

Eco Child's Play

Live a greener, healthier life!

  • Environment
  • Pregnancy
  • Food & Recipes
  • Health News
  • Parenting
  • Green Toys
  • Beauty & Beauty Products
  • Green Home & Cleaning
  • Contact

Permanent Genetic Changes Caused by Poor Nutrition in the Womb

Scientists at the University of Utah report that the genes of offspring are modified in the womb as a result of the mother’s diet, emphasizing that what the mother eats (or doesn’t eat) influences the health of the child throughout its life.

“The new ‘epigenetics’ has taught us how nature is changed by nurture. The jury’s in and, yes, expectant moms really are eating for two. This study shows not only that we need to address problems such as preeclampsia during pregnancy, but also that prenatal care is far more important than anyone could have imagined a decade ago.” – Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of FASEB Journal

[social_buttons]

The science of epigenetics explains how genes can be modified by the environment, and according to the new study published in FASEB (Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology), “You are what your mother did not eat during pregnancy.”

The research found that rat fetuses which received poor nutrition in the womb were genetically primed to be born into an environment lacking proper nutrition. As a result, the offspring were more likely to be smaller, as well as being at higher risk for lifelong health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, growth retardation, and neurodevelopmental delays. The authors of the study stated that the genes and cellular mechanisms affected are the same in rats as in humans, and therefore the same links can be made for humans.

“Our study emphasizes that maternal–fetal health influences multiple healthcare issues across generations.  To reduce adult diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, we need to understand how the maternal–fetal environment influences the health of offspring.” – Robert Lane, professor of pediatric neonatology at the University of Utah

The experiments used two groups of rats, a control group and a restricted nutrient group. The group receiving restricted nutrients (through the placenta) was examined after birth and at 21 days old (preadolescent age for rats) and measured for IGF-1, a protein responsible for normal growth and development. Researchers found that the lack of nutrients in the second group caused the gene responsible for IGF-1 to significantly reduce the amount produced in the body both before and after birth.

Image: dizznbonn at Flickr under CC License

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • More
  • WhatsApp
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe!

« The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Cleaning Second Edition
Placentophagy and Other Fun Uses for Afterbirth! »

Comments

  1. 1001 petals says

    April 13, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    Fascinating, thank you.

    Reply
  2. Rachael says

    April 13, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    On the one hand, this study is fascinating. On the other, and as a mother, I can’t help but feel like “Oh great. Another study telling women what they *should* be doing while pregnant.” It’s tiresome after awhile no matter how good the science.

    Reply
  3. David says

    April 16, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    Have you got a link to the article? I could not find it in the March or April editions of FASEB. Thanks.

    Reply
  4. Derek Markham says

    April 16, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    David: The abstract is here http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/fj.08-124768v1

    Reply
  5. Angie says

    April 19, 2009 at 5:51 am

    Definitely sent this to all my mom/preggo friends!

    Reply
  6. Ophthalmologist says

    May 7, 2009 at 1:41 am

    Eat healthy foods, full of fruits and veggies. Stay away from the fast food and processed.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Derek Markham Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search Content

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter


About Eco Child’s Play

Our ethos is to provide news, information, and opinions on natural, green parenting to help your family live a greener, healthier life! Additionally, we offer personal consulting services to help you achieve your green living goals.

Jennifer is a vegetarian, yoga teacher, gardener, hiker, teacher, and mother that has been living off-the-grid for over 20 years.

Contact Eco Child’s Play

It’s Time to Quit Plastics and How to do It

Reduce Plastic Waste with re-brush Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

More from the archives!

99.6% Natural, 20% Organic Cleansing Make-Up Removal Wipes by Natracare

Simply Neutral: Safe, Smart, Earth Friendly Products for Your Home

Thank you Dr. King for Reminding Us to Dream

Take Action: Agent Orange Corn Coming to a Farm Near You!

5 Scientifically Proven Papaya Seed Benefits Plus Herbal Papaya Review

COVID Back to School: Helping children cope with uncertainty

covid19 pregnancy

Does the Coronavirus Attack the Placenta and cause 2nd Trimester Miscarriages?

Information

  • About & Contact
  • Archive
  • Blog
  • Consulting Services
  • Disclaimer, Disclosure, & Sponsored Posts
  • Privacy Policy
logo
Food Advertising by

Gardasil Warnings to Include "Seizure-Like" Reactions

iPhone Apps for Kids: iPlay n' Learn From Parents Magazine

Organically Grown Affordable Baby Apparel by Organically Grown

2 Red Hens Toy Nanny: Is it a blanket? Is it a toy tote? It’s BOTH!

Turn Out the Lights for Earth Hour 2009

Popular Categories

  • Breastfeeding
  • Health News
  • Natural Childbirth
  • Parenting
  • Education
  • Product Review
  • Green Toys

Get our posts via email

Please stay in touch!

You might also like to read…

Smart Kids Become Vegetarian Adults

5 Green Parent Posts: Insteading, SafeMama, Hippie Housewife, Midwifery Today, & Medscape

Keep germs off your toothbrush: IntelliDent Toothbrush Shield

Thera Wise Natural Therapeutic Ointments Are Available at CVS Online Store

New Year Resolution #1: Make My Own Soap

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkNoPrivacy policy