If you want your child to avoid health risks later in life, it appears that eating a healthier diet early in life can have some beneficial effects, at least in young adult women.
Researchers studied 230 women aged 25 to 29 years old who had previously (nine years before) participated in the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC). The DISC was a randomized controlled clinical trial that limited total fat intake to 28% of daily calorie intake and increase fiber consumption by promoting a higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Although few participants in the follow-up study met the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for heart disease, the participants who had undergone the earlier intervention had significantly lower systolic blood pressure readings and lower fasting plasma blood glucose levels compared to the control group (no earlier interventions).
The conclusion was that dietary intervention at an early age can influence health outcomes later on in life. The intervention group in the DISC study should be re-evaluated as they age to determine if this influence will persist.
The Endocrine Society (2011, October 27). Childhood diet lower in fat and higher in fiber may lower risk for chronic disease in adulthood. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 25, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/10/111027083045.htm
- Increased fiber intake protects against cardiovascular disease risk factors (selfcare2wealthusana.com)