From womb to adolescence, nutrition and environment shape lifelong outcomes
BENGALURU
Early-life experiences—from prenatal conditions to childhood environment—play a decisive role in shaping mental health, cognition and disease risk later in life, according to findings presented at PARAM-Connect hosted by National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.
The event brought together researchers from long-running cohort studies across Mysuru, Pune, Vellore and tribal regions of Chamarajanagar, highlighting how biological, social and environmental factors interact over time. Experts said advances in brain imaging and large datasets are enabling predictions at the individual level, marking a shift from broad population trends.
Dr Vivek Benegal noted that early adversity and socioeconomic inequality can significantly alter brain development, but supportive environments—especially schools—can act as protective buffers. Several studies stressed that risks begin even before birth, with maternal health playing a critical role.
Research presented by Dr G.V. Krishnaveni showed that children born to diabetic mothers exhibited higher adiposity, elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance, indicating early signs of metabolic disease. Similarly, findings from the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study highlighted the long-term impact of maternal nutrition. Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy was linked to poorer attention, cognition and executive function in children, while supplementation improved outcomes even years later.
These intergenerational studies, some spanning over two decades, underline the importance of early interventions in improving both mental and physical health trajectories.