Teenagers Should Be Taught In School About Impact Of Diet On Their Future Children, Researchers Argue | HuffPost Life

'This isn’t about provoking fear or blaming individuals.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

Teenagers need to be taught in school about how their diets could impact the health of their future children, scientists have urged.

The call comes as a series of three papers published in The Lancet state that adults’ health and what they ate in the months and years before they start trying for a baby can have long-term implications for the growth and development of their kids.

The authors are calling for better guidance and support for individuals planning pregnancy, and increased public health measures to reduce obesity and improve nutrition.

“The preconception period is a critical time when parental health – including weight, metabolism, and diet – can influence the risk of future chronic disease in children,” said lead author of the papers, Professor Judith Stephenson from UCL. “Raising awareness of preconception health, and increasing availability of support to improve health before conception will be crucial. “This isn’t about provoking fear or blaming individuals.”

Steve Debenport via Getty Images

Teenagers should be taught in school about how their diets could impact their lifestyles as they get older, according to scientists writing in The Lancet.

The authors presented two new analyses of the diets and health of women of reproductive age (18-42 years old) in the UK and Australia. Using data from 509 women of reproductive age in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey, they estimate that many women in the UK are not nutritionally prepared for pregnancy (ie. they are not getting enough key nutrients including vitamins A and B12, calcium and zinc), and almost all women of reproductive age (96%) have iron and folate dietary intakes below the recommendation for pregnancy (14.8mg per day, and 400µg per day, respectively). This is, however, something that could be rectified in less than a month through supplements.

“Education from an early age – ideally from adolescence – about the need to maintain a healthy diet and weight will not only improve the health of individuals, but also the health and quality of life of future generations."”
- Professor Janice Rymer, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The authors are calling for interventions that start years before pregnancy. They stress the importance of improving everyone’s health from an early age as a way to avoid poor preconception health, and improve the health of future generations. “Support for improving nutrition before conception needs to be offered in ways that engage adolescents in thinking about their diets and health, and the implications of this in later life, in pregnancy, and for future generations,” they stated.

For adults with no immediate plans to become pregnant, the authors call for social change that supports improved public awareness of preconception health. For adults planning to become pregnant, they call for improved support and practical tools for preconception health.

Commenting on the Lancet articles, Professor Janice Rymer, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said the ”highly significant” research highlighted the importance of nutrition and lifestyle in the preconception period. “We are extremely concerned by the findings that 96% of women of reproductive age have iron and folate dietary intakes below the recommendation for pregnancy,” she added. “This is yet another piece of evidence adding to the overwhelming need for the government to add folic acid to flour. This simple measure will reach women most at risk in our society who have poor dietary and socioeconomic status, as well as those women who may not have planned their pregnancy.”

Professor Rymer said she supported the call for public health measures to ensure individuals are nutritionally prepared for conception and pregnancy, “Education from an early age – ideally from adolescence – about the need to maintain a healthy diet and weight will not only improve the health of individuals, but also the health and quality of life of future generations,” she said.

Before You Go

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

Suggest a correction

|