Starting strong: Dietary, behavioral, and environmental factors that promote “strength” from conception to age 2 years

Abstract

Beginning with conception and continuing through childhood and adolescence, the word “strength” connotes the totality of optimal early bone and tissue growth, neural wiring of the brain, and acquisition of fine motor, gross motor, language, and social-emotional skills. The robustness of each of these attributes depend on three critical epigenetic (external) factors: the quality of nutrition; positive adult nurturing; and experiences acquired within a stimulating, safe environment that affords free exploration. This review highlights the relationship between the epigenetic factors in the period of conception to age 2 years and a child’s future health, cognitive capacity, and social aptitude, which collectively comprise their “strength”. This paper was presented as part of the 2018 Strength Summit conference entitled, The Role of Strength in Optimal Health and Well-being.
 Novelty Points: 
 • Strength in infants signifies the totality of optimal early growth and neural wiring of the brain. 
 • Strength at this life stage also includes the acquisition of motor, language, and social-emotional skills.
 • Three epigenetic factors are critical during birth to 24-months: nutrition, nurturing, and free exploration.

Good nutrition across the lifespan is foundational for healthy aging and sustainable development

“…During puberty, adolescents (15-19 years) grow and develop rapidly, which requires higher amounts of energy, protein, and micronutrients (34). For lifelong functionality, wellbeing, and achievement, adequate intake of energy, protein, and micronutrients in youth is thus key to physical growth, along with motor, language, and socioemotional development (34,(38)(39)(40).…”

Young Child Nutrition: Knowledge and Surveillance Gaps across the Spectrum of Feeding

“…The need for energy and nutrients to support growth necessitates the addition of solid foods to augment the use of breast milk and/or infant formula after the age of six months [ 46 , 47 ]. The increasing provision of table foods during the second year of life exposes young children to similar foods as caregivers and, along with the provision of more complex food combinations, collectively shape young children’s dietary patterns by 24 months [ 47 ]. Deficiencies or imbalances in dietary patterns may lead to malnutrition [ 11 ].…”

“…The quality of the diet becomes critical to support growth and development. Typically, dairy milk assumes much of the nutritional foundation that was previously provided by breast milk and/or infant formula [ 47 , 48 ].…”

“…In addition, few studies have assessed the association of “picky” eating with pediatric development, although there are indications that such feeding patterns may have negative effects [ 51 ]. Continued breastfeeding into the second year or use of YCFs may offer dietary support as behavioral issues are addressed [ 46 , 47 ].…”