The Impact of Early Nutrition on Health: Key Findings from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS)
- Author:
Judith B Borja
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Maternal nutrition, health, Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, infant feeding
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2013;19(1):1-8
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The Philippines’ Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey
(CLHNS) is one of the longest running birth cohort studies in Southeast Asia.
This paper illustrates the pathways through which maternal and infant nutrition
influence later health outcomes using selected CLHNS findings. Methods: The
CLHNS initially examined the determinants and consequences of low birth
weight and early nutrition on child growth and development. It has since
expanded to study other health, nutrition, and demographic issues in the life
course of the cohort participants such as the consequences of early nutrition on
adult health. Results: CLHNS findings have documented important effects of
poor maternal nutrition beyond impaired foetal growth (manifested through
low birth weight). Mothers who had lower energy intakes and poorer nutritional
status during pregnancy had offsprings who were at risk of having higher blood
pressure measurements in adolescence. Infants born small at birth were not
only more likely to be stunted through adolescence, but were also at greater risk
of cardiovascular disease later in life. Among the males, those born thin at birth
and have high BMI in adulthood had increased risk of elevated systolic blood
pressure. Early infant feeding also had long-term effects on health. Breastfeeding
not only protected against morbidity and stunting in childhood, but also lowered
the risk of insulin resistance and high triglyceride levels in adulthood among
the males. Delayed complementary feeding was associated a with lower risk of
overweight in young adulthood. An intergenerational matrilineal effect was
also observed among the participants, with maternal birth weight being positively
associated with offspring birth weight. Conclusion: The CLHNS findings support
the WHO recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until six months, timely
introduction of complementary foods, and continued breastfeeding until two
years. Since child nutrition begins in utero, programs should focus on improving
maternal nutrition during pregnancy to minimise the risk of low birth weight.
- Full text:W020150716330817148200.pdf
