The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis highlights the pivotal role of early-life nutrition in shaping lifelong health and disease risk. Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health issue associated with increased susceptibility to metabolic and cardiovascular disease, underscoring the need for early nutritional interventions. We investigated whether dietary supplementation with soy protein isolate (SPI) during lactation could mitigate adverse developmental programming in a rat model of LBW induced by maternal calorie restriction. Dams received an SPI-supplemented diet during lactation, and offspring were evaluated for postnatal growth, circulating IGF-1 and corticosterone concentrations, and pituitary expression of Gas5 lncRNA, miR-23b, and Pomc. Stress responsiveness and glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity were also assessed. SPI supplementation restored postnatal growth and IGF-1 concentrations in female offspring, and in males, it normalized pituitary Gas5 lncRNA and Pomc mRNA expressions, reduced stress-induced corticosterone hypersecretion, and improved pituitary glucocorticoid sensitivity. These findings indicate that SPI intervention during lactation can partially reverse epigenetic dysregulation of the stress and somatotropic axes caused by fetal undernutrition. Nutritional modulation during lactation thus represents a critical window for early intervention in LBW offspring. SPI supplementation may enhance endocrine and metabolic resilience, providing a practical nutritional programming approach to reduce future disease risk, consistent with the DOHaD paradigm.

Maternal Hb and fetal growth change dynamically throughout pregnancy. We examined the associations of time-specific Hb levels and Hb trajectories with fetal biometrics and adverse birth outcomes. This prospective study included 6844 pregnant women (mean age 26·6 (sd 3·7) years) from the Tongji-Huaxi-Shuangliu Birth Cohort. Hb levels were measured at four periods: early (6–12 gestational weeks), middle (13–27), middle-late (28–32) and late pregnancy (33–37). Fetal biometrics were assessed by ultrasound from middle to late pregnancy. Birth outcomes were obtained from medical records, including small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth. Three Hb trajectories were identified: consistent decline (Trajectory 1), consistently low (Trajectory 2) and increase from middle-late pregnancy (Trajectory 3). Compared with Trajectory 1, Trajectory 3 was associated with lower estimated fetal weight (β, −0·54; 95 % CI −0·99, −0·09) and abdominal circumference (β, −0·21; 95 % CI −0·40, −0·01) in late pregnancy and higher umbilical artery resistance index across pregnancy (β, 0·65; 95 % CI 0·31, 1·00). Trajectory 3 was also associated with higher risk of LBW (OR, 1·57; 95 % CI 1·09, 2·26). In middle-late pregnancy, higher Hb (≥ 130 g/l) was associated with higher risks of LBW (OR, 2·26; 95 % CI 1·08, 4·25) and preterm birth (OR, 2·03; 95 % CI 1·12, 3·44) compared with the reference (110–129 g/l). Elevated maternal Hb from middle-late pregnancy onwards may be associated with lower fetal weight and increased risk of LBW. Dynamic monitoring of maternal Hb may facilitate targeted nutritional management in pregnant women.

Young people who are neither in employment nor in education or training (NEET) are at risk of long-term exclusion and poorer wellbeing. Besides individual costs and adverse later life consequences, NEET can impose significant societal costs, making it a major public policy concern and an important indicator of social exclusion. Using high-quality register data on Finnish birth cohorts born between 1987 and 1992, we compared the risk of being NEET at ages 21–27 amongst those born with very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1500 g), low birth weight (LBW, 1500–2499 g) and normal birth weight (NBW). We further studied whether the effects of birth weight on NEET were moderated by parental socioeconomic status (SES), measured as maternal education. To address potential confounding due to unobserved characteristics, we employed Poisson regression with sibling fixed effects. Results indicated that LBW was associated with an increased incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.26 (95% CI 1.15–1.38) and VLBW with an IRR of 2.02 (95% CI 1.66–2.40) for NEET status, compared with NBW. The relationship between birth weight and NEET did not vary by parental SES. Findings underline the importance of early health in contributing to the risk of NEET, regardless of parental SES.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is common among pregnant women (PW) and has been associated with anaemia and adverse birth outcomes. However, in the Free State Province of South Africa, evidence regarding this is limited. Hence, this cross-sectional study investigated the vitamin A (vitA) intake and status of PW in Bloemfontein and its association with anaemia, iron status and birth outcomes. Blood was taken from 427 PW to assess the status of vitA (retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4)), iron (ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)) and anaemia (Hb). Sociodemographic, HIV, birth outcomes (birthweight and gestational age) and dietary vitA intake data were obtained using a questionnaire in an interview and medical records. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used to describe variables and the association between vitA and iron status and birth outcomes. Median vitA intake was 1007 µgRAE/d with 19 % of participants’ intake below the estimated average requirement of 550 µgRAE/d. Median (IQR) RBP4 was 1·51 (0·78) µmol/l. Insufficient vitA status and VAD prevalence were 12·2 % and 1·2 %, respectively. VitA intake was positively associated with RBP4 (β = 0·068; 95 % CI 0·020, 0·116; P = 0·006). RBP4 was positively associated with Hb (β = 0·363; 95 % CI 0·186, 0·539; P < 0·001) and ferritin (β = 0·359; 95 % CI 0·139, 0·579; P = 0·001) but negatively with sTfR (β = −0·125; 95 % CI −0·246, −0·005; P = 0·041). No significant association between plasma RBP4 and birth weight, as well as preterm birth, was observed. There was a low prevalence of VAD in the study population. Nonetheless, the positive association between RBP4 and Hb and ferritin highlights the importance of optimal vitA status in preventing anaemia in pregnancy.

Zn and Mn are essential nutrients for fetal growth and development. Since deficiency of maternal nutrition may lead to preventable adverse pregnancy outcomes, we aimed to examine the association of maternal dietary Zn and Mn levels with low birth weight (LBW). A nested case–control study was conducted in 605 cases and 7497 controls in Lanzhou, China. Eligible participants reported on their diet and characteristics during pregnancy. The relationship between dietary Zn and Mn intake and the risk of LBW was analysed by unconditioned logistic regression and multivariate adjusted restricted cubic spline model. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of Zn and Mn. The dietary intake below the cut-off value was defined as the low-level group, and greater than or equal to the cut-off value was defined as the high-level group. Low dietary Zn (<5·05 mg/d before pregnancy and <7·36 mg/d during pregnancy) and Mn (<2·66 mg/d before pregnancy and <3·41 mg/d during pregnancy) intake was associated with increased risk of LBW and some subtypes. Both Zn and Mn have a nonlinear relationship with the risk of LBW (P < 0·001). In addition, there was a synergistic effect of low Zn and low Mn intake on LBW risk. There were separate and interaction effects of Zn and Mn on the occurrence of LBW. An appropriate range of Zn and Mn intake may be beneficial to reduce the risk of LBW.

Pregnant women are exposed to various contaminants through foods, with environmental toxicants and aflatoxin (AF) being among the major food contaminants. Therefore, this review was conducted for a better perspective on the AF exposure during pregnancy or infancy, highlighting how exposure through the mother (via placenta and breast milk) and directly through infant foods ultimately affects infant health. The literature suggests that AF exposure during pregnancy may lead to maternal anaemia, premature delivery, pregnancy loss or decreased number of live births. AF crosses through the placenta and also passes through breast milk. AF exposure during pregnancy may also lead to deleterious effects on the fetus or infants such as reduced fetal growth, low birth weight, impairment of linear or long bone growth and developmental delay such as small head circumference and reduced brain size, stillbirth or fetal death. It may also have an adverse effect on some organs and organ systems, causing aberrations such as neonatal jaundice and disrupting hormone synthesis. In the Indian context, there are limited clinical studies to assess the health effects of AF exposure during pregnancy. For the first time, we have made an attempt to estimate the AF exposure by calculating the AF estimated daily intake using the empirical formulae based on several reported studies. However, more research needs to be undertaken to understand the AF exposure outcomes during pregnancy. The data presented in this review warrant more clinical studies in India on maternal AF exposure to elucidate the birth outcomes and associated infant health outcomes.

The patient, the first of twins, weighed 714 g at birth. On day 14, ultrasound revealed a large methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced atrial vegetation; the tumour grew to 6 mm by day 19. Percutaneous removal was selected due to the risk of pulmonary embolism. We used a three-loop EN Snare system. The procedure was safe and successful.

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) are primary factors contributing to morbidity and mortality among children aged under 5, resulting in a range of short- and long-term health consequences worldwide. Among the various risk factors, ambient air pollution poses a significant environmental risk and is a key determinant of child health. The prevalence of LBW and PTB among under 5 children sampled from the NFHS-5, 2019–2021, was combined with monthly PM2.5 data (2013–2021) obtained from the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group at Washington University. Multivariable logistic regression models were used, and a stratified analysis was applied to understand the potential effect modifiers in LBW and PTB. Further, the geographical variation of LBW and PTB spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I) was used. Geographically weighted regression and ordinary least square spatial regression were used to identify the spatial heterogeneity associated with selected variables. The study comprises a total of 208,181 under 5 children. Out of these children, the LBW rate was 17.41%, and the rate of PTB was 12.42%. The in-utero exposure to the mean concentration of PM2.5 was 56.01 μg/m3. The odds of suffering from LBW showed a non-linear shift when PM2.5 levels rose from the first octile (<28.02 μg/m3) to the last octile (>93.84 μg/m3) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12). While comparing the first octile of exposure to PM2.5 (>93.84 μg/m3) to the last octile, there was a 52% more likelihood of having PTB (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.43–1.61) after accounting for all relevant factors. These findings highlight the urgent need for a thorough strategy to control the air quality in India. Further, to reduce adverse birth outcomes, longitudinal studies and other co-pollutants can consider assessing the possible mechanisms mediating the relationship between maternal exposure and ambient air pollution.

Maternal health and nutrition in early pregnancy play a vital role in the growth and development of the foetus. During this time, macro and micronutrients contribute to nutritional programming, which helps form the foundations of the foetus’s life course health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate dietary habits, macro and micronutrient intake, micronutrient status, and folic acid supplement adherence among Emirati pregnant women in their first trimester. Data were collected according to the UAE-BCS study protocol, which was set up to investigate maternal nutrition, health, child growth, and developmental outcomes within the first 1000 days. Pregnant Emirati women with singleton pregnancies within their first trimester of pregnancy (between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation) were enrolled. The 24-hour food recall method was administered to collect dietary intake. The maternal mean average age was 29 years. Participants had high adherence to supplementation during pregnancy compared to preconception. The mean energy intake was 1345kcal, and 56% of participants consumed saturated fats above the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR), while 94% consumed below AMDR for total fibre. The consumption of micronutrients was below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Biochemical results show a high prevalence of low haemoglobin (74%) and deficiencies in vitamin D (39%) and vitamin E (96%). There is a need for research into dietary patterns and influences in pregnant women in the UAE. Furthermore, investigations of knowledge practices and attitudes towards supplementation and the factors contributing to folic acid supplement use are needed to inform government strategies and interventions.

This study aimed to investigate the intake of dairy products during pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its impacts on neonatal birth weight and pregnancy outcomes. A total of 386 women with GDM during the second trimester pregnancy participated in this prospective cohort study. We evaluated dairy products intake through the FFQ. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained from the delivery data. Participants were divided into insufficient and sufficient intake of milk and dairy products groups (< 300 g/d and ≥ 300 g/d, respectively). The average intake of dairy products during the second trimester pregnancy in women with GDM was 317·8 ± 179·5 g/d, and the total energy intake was 1635·4 ± 708·7 kcal/d. However, 76·68 % of them did not meet the recommended total energy intake of women with GDM. After adjusting for confounding factors, women with GDM who consumed ≥ 300 g/d of dairy products had an average reduction in birth weight of 93·1 g compared with women who consumed < 300 g/d of dairy products (95 % CI −171·343, −14·927). Women with GDM in sufficient intake group was also associated with lower risk of macrosomia (95 % CI 0·043, 0·695) and caesarean section (95 % CI 0·387, 0·933) and not related to low birth weight infant (95 % CI 0·617, 14·502) and preterm birth (95 % CI 0·186, 1·510) when compared with participants in insufficient intake group. Under the premise of insufficient total energy intake, the intake of dairy products during the second trimester pregnancy in women with GDM might be related to the decrease of neonatal birth weight.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between parental and infant birth weights in Japan. In total, 37,504 pregnant Japanese women and their partners were included in this birth cohort study. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations of parental birth weights with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) or large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. Associations between parental birth weight and low birth weight (LBW) infants or macrosomia were also examined, and linear associations between parental birth weight and SGA or LGA were found. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for SGA infants per 500 g decrease in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI],1.43–1.58) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.25–1.38), respectively. The aORs for LGA infants per 500 g increase in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.53 (95% CI, 1.47–1.60) and 1.41 (95% CI, 1.35–1.47), respectively. The association between parental birth weight and LBW infants or macrosomia was also linear. The aORs for LBW infants per 500 g decrease in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.47 (95% CI, 1.40–1.55) and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.19–1.31), respectively. The aORs for macrosomia per 500 g increase in maternal and paternal birth weights were 1.59 (95% CI, 1.41–1.79) and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.23–1.60), respectively. Parental birth weight was found to be associated with infant birth weight even after adjusting for various parental factors. Furthermore, maternal birth weight was more strongly associated with infant birth weight than with paternal birth weight.

On a global basis, 144 million people are stunted, and in Ethiopia, it remains a major public health problem. A limited number of studies have been conducted at the national level and in the study area to generate information on stunting at birth. The present study investigated the magnitude and predictors of stunting among newborns delivered at the Public Hospitals of Hawassa City, Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2021 among mothers and newborns (N 371). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with the mother in a waiting room after the delivery of the child at the hospital. Newborn length and weight were measured and converted to length-for-age Z-score using WHO standards. The prevalence of stunting at birth (35⋅6 %) and low birth weight (24⋅6 %) were high. In the adjusted model, factors significantly associated with stunting were birth interval <2 years, low birth weight, inadequate dietary diversity and food insecurity (P < 0⋅01) mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of mother <23 cm (P < 0⋅05). The high magnitude of stunting and low birth weight calls all stakeholders and nutrition actors to work on preventing maternal undernutrition and improving their dietary practice through nutrition education. It is also recommended to mitigate food insecurity with evidence-based interventions using a combination of measures. Additionally improving maternal health services including family spacing was recommended to reduce stunting and low birth weight among newborns in the study area.

Whether the decline of birth weight (BW) reported in developed countries in the early 2000s is ongoing remains unknown. Furthermore, despite recent sharp increases in twin births, comparing secular trends of BW between singletons and twins is difficult, as studies have rarely examined secular trends of BW in twins and singletons simultaneously. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the most recent 20-year trends (2000–2020) of BW in twins and singletons in South Korea. Annual natality files from 2000 to 2020 obtained from the Korean Statistical Information Service were analyzed. A yearly decrease of BW was 3 g among singletons and 5 to 6 g in twins from 2000 to 2020, indicating a widening gap of BW between twins and singletons with increasing years. Gestational age (GA) also decreased in twins and singletons with yearly decreases of 0.28 days in singletons and 0.41 days in twins. Whereas BW decreased in term (GA ≥ 37 weeks), and very preterm groups (28 weeks ≤ GA < 32 weeks) from 2000 to 2020 in twins and singletons, it increased in moderate to late preterm (32 weeks ≤ GA < 37 weeks) groups, indicating a non-linear relationship between BW and GA. The prevalence of macrosomia (BW > 4000 g) in singletons decreased from 2000 to 2020, whereas low birth weight (LBW; BW < 2500 g) increased in twins and singletons. LBW is associated with adverse health outcomes. Effective public health strategies aiming at reduction in the incidence of LBW in the population should be developed.

Preterm birth has been associated with insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, a hallmark characteristic of type 2 diabetes. However, studies investigating the relationship between a personal history of being born preterm and type 2 diabetes are sparse. We sought to investigate the potential association between a personal history of being born preterm and risk for type 2 diabetes in a racially and ethnically diverse population. Baseline and incident data (>16 years of follow-up) from the Women’s Health Initiative (n = 85,356) were used to examine the association between personal history of being born preterm (born 1910–1940s) and prevalent (baseline enrollment; cross-sectional) or incident (prospective cohort) cases of type 2 diabetes. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate odds and hazards ratios. Being born preterm was significantly, positively associated with odds for prevalent type 2 diabetes at enrollment (adjOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.43–2.24; P < 0.0001). Stratified regression models suggested the positive associations at baseline were consistent across race and ethnicity groups. However, being born preterm was not significantly associated with risk for incident type 2 diabetes. Regression models stratified by age at enrollment suggest the relationship between being born preterm and type 2 diabetes persists only among younger age groups. Preterm birth was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes but only in those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes prior to study enrollment, suggesting the association between preterm birth and type 2 diabetes may exist at earlier age of diagnosis but wane over time.

Deficiency of essential trace element, Se, has been implicated in adverse birth outcomes and in child linear growth because of its important role in redox biology and associated antioxidant effects. We used data from a randomised controlled trial conducted among a cohort of pregnant and lactating women in Dhaka, Bangladesh to examine associations between Se biomarkers in whole blood (WBSe), serum and selenoprotein P (SEPP1) in maternal delivery and venous cord (VC) blood. Associations between Se biomarkers, birth weight and infant growth outcomes (age-adjusted length, weight, head circumference and weight-for-length z-scores) at birth, 1 and 2 years of age were examined using regression analyses. WB and serum Se were negatively associated with birth weight (adjusted β, 95 % CI, WBSe delivery: −26·6 (–44·3, −8·9); WBSe VC: −19·6 (–33·0, −6·1)); however, delivery SEPP1 levels (adjusted β: −37·5 (–73·0, −2·0)) and VC blood (adjusted β: 82·3 (30·0, 134·7)) showed inconsistent and opposite associations with birth weight. Positive associations for SEPP1 VC suggest preferential transfer from mother to fetus. We found small associations between infant growth and WBSe VC (length-for-age z-score β, 95 % CI, at birth: −0·05 (–0·1, −0·01)); 12 months (β: −0·05 (–0·08, −0·007)). Weight-for-age z-score also showed weak negative associations with delivery WBSe (at birth: −0·07 (–0·1, −0·02); 12 -months: −0·05 (–0·1, −0·005)) and in WBSe VC (at birth: −0·05 (–0·08, −0·02); 12 months: −0·05 (–0·09, −0·004)). Given the fine balance between essential nutritional and toxic properties of Se, it is possible that WB and serum Se may negatively impact growth outcomes, both in utero and postpartum.

Despite the fact that health facilities in Ethiopia are being built closer to communities in all regions, the proportion of home deliveries remains high, and there are no studies being conducted to identify low birth weight (LBW) and premature newborn babies using simple, best, alternative, and appropriate anthropometric measurement in the study area. The objective of the present study was to find the simple, best, and alternative anthropometric measurement and identified its cut-off points for detecting LBW and premature newborn babies. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dire Dawa city administration, Eastern Ethiopia. The study included 385 women who gave birth in health facility. To evaluate the overall accuracy of the anthropometric measurements, a non-parametric receiver operating characteristic curve was used. Chest circumference (AUC = 0⋅95) with 29⋅4 cm and mean upper arm circumference (AUC = 0⋅93) with 7⋅9 cm proved to be the best anthropometric diagnostic measure for LBW and gestational age, respectively. Also, both anthropometric measuring tools are achieved the highest correlation (r = 0⋅62) for LBW and gestational age. Foot length had a higher sensitivity (94⋅8 %) in detecting LBW than other measurements, with a higher negative predictive value (NPV) (98⋅4 %) and a higher positive predictive value (PPV) (54⋅8 %). Chest circumference and mid-upper arm circumference were found to be better surrogate measurements for identifying LBW and premature babies in need of special care. More research is needed to identify better diagnostic interventions in situations like the study area, which has limited resources and a high proportion of home deliveries.

In people and animals, low birth weight (LBW) is recognized as highly predictive of health trajectory from the neonatal period to elderly ages. Regarding the neonatal period, although LBW is recognized as a major risk factor for neonatal mortality, there does not appear to be a clear definition of ‘when a birth weight should be considered low’ in all species. The aim of this work was to use the scientific literature available to map the various thresholds proposed to define LBW in domestic mammals. Using a standardized methodology, a scoping review was conducted through a literature search in three different bibliographic databases. After a two-step screening of 1729 abstracts and full-text publications by two independent reviewers, eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Selected publications represented six mammalian species (rat, mouse, dog, pig, cow, and rabbit). Birth weight thresholds were identified through six different methods. In addition to the scarcity of scientific literature about the definition of LBW, this scoping review revealed the lack of standardization for the description, evaluation or the pertinence these definitions. Because the health consequences of LBW could be preventable, providing early identification of at-risk neonates, a consensus for the standardized definition of LBW is required.