The influence of preconception nutritional status on fetal programming and lifelong health

Title : The influence of preconception nutritional status on fetal programming and lifelong health

Abstract:

This study seeks to explore how women’s nutritional status before conception affects both maternal health and the lifelong well-being of their children. Evidence indicates that the preconception period is a critical window for fetal programming, influencing metabolic pathways and the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, most studies have focused on pregnancy itself, while the unique contribution of preconception nutrition remains underexplored, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
This narrative review is examining studies published in the last five years, drawing from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The analysis focuses on maternal micronutrient status, dietary patterns, and metabolic health. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework is being applied as a guiding concept to interpret how preconception nutrition may influence maternal outcomes and offspring health across the life course.
The review is expected to highlight that inadequate preconception nutrition, such as iron and folate deficiencies, as well as maternal overweight and obesity, can negatively impact embryonic development and epigenetic regulation. In contrast, optimal preconception nutrition and adherence to balanced dietary patterns, exemplified by the Mediterranean diet but adaptable to diverse cultural contexts, may improve maternal metabolic health and reduce the offspring’s risk of developing chronic diseases later in life.
Improving women’s nutritional status before conception represents a promising and cost-effective strategy to break the intergenerational cycle of chronic diseases. Incorporating preconception nutrition into public health policies and preventive programs may significantly enhance maternal and child health outcomes, while promoting healthier populations across generations.
Keywords: Preconception Nutrition; Women’s Health; Fetal Programming; Maternal Health; DOHaD; Chronic Disease Prevention.

Biography:

Suellen C. Zava is a researcher focusing on preconception nutrition, maternal and child health, and women’s well-being. She holds a B.S. in Nutrition and multiple graduate certificates, and is licensed to practice phytotherapy as part of nutritional care in Brazil. Her experience spans clinical practice and community-based health education, including outreach on breastfeeding and women’s health promotion. Her research interests include how preconception nutrition influences fetal programming and lifelong health within the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework, as well as the broader role of nutrition in supporting and optimizing women’s health and well-being across different life stages.