Lessons learned from 25 Years of Research into Long term Consequences of Prenatal Exposure to the Dutch famine 1944–45: The Dutch famine Birth Cohort

• DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1888894
• Publication Date: 2021-05-06T08:32:29Z
• Authors: Susanne R. De Rooij; Laura S. Bleker; Rebecca C. Painter; Anita C. Ravelli; Tessa J. Roseboom
• Keywords: Famine

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