ABSTRACT

This paper describes the findings of a historical cohort study of men and women born around the time of the Dutch famine 1944–45. It provided the first direct evidence in humans of the lasting consequences of prenatal undernutrition. The effects of undernutrition depended on its timing during gestation, and the organs and tissues undergoing periods of rapid development at that time. Early gestation appeared to be particularly critical, with the effects of undernutrition being most apparent, even without reductions in size at birth. Undernutrition during gestation affected the structure and function of organs and tissues, altered behaviour and increased risks of chronic degenerative diseases. This demonstrates the fundamental importance of maternal nutrition during gestation as the building blocks for future health.

摘要

本文描述了一项针对 1944-45 年荷兰饥荒期间出生的男性和女性的历史队列研究的结果。它为人类提供了产前营养不良的持久后果的第一个直接证据。营养不良的影响取决于其在妊娠期间的时机，以及当时处于快速发育时期的器官和组织。早期妊娠似乎特别关键，营养不良的影响最为明显，即使在出生时没有缩小尺寸。妊娠期营养不良会影响器官和组织的结构和功能，改变行为并增加患慢性退行性疾病的风险。这表明孕期母体营养作为未来健康基石的根本重要性。