Neurobehavioral determinants of nutritional security in fetal growth–restricted individuals

Abstract

Fetal growth restriction results from a failure to achieve a higher growth potential and has been associated with many maternal conditions, such as chronic diseases (infections, hypertension, and some cases of diabetes and obesity), exposures (tobacco smoke, drugs), and malnutrition. This early adversity induces a series of adaptive physiological responses aimed at improving survival, but imposing increased risk for developing chronic nontransmittable diseases (obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease) in the long term. Recently, mounting evidence has shown that fetal growth impairment is related to altered feeding behavior and preferences through the life course. When living in countries undergoing nutritional transition, in which individuals experience the coexistence of underweight and overweight problems (the "double burden of malnutrition"), fetal growth-restricted children can be simultaneously growth restricted and overweight-a double burden of malnutrition at the individual level. Considering food preferences as an important aspect of nutrition security, we will summarize the putative neurobiological mechanisms at the core of the relationship between fetal growth and nutrition security over the life course and the evidence linking early life adversity to later food preferences.

Variations in the neonatal environment modulate adult behavioral and brain responses to palatable food withdrawal in adult female rats

“…The most important interpretation of this study is that an apparently innocuous and brief neonatal intervention is able to persistently modulate the behavioral and neurochemical response to palatable food withdrawal. In other words, the individual's fetal and neonatal history seems important when planning dietary interventions, corroborating the findings of several studies in humans (Ayres et al, 2012; Barbieri et al, 2009; Portella and Silveira, 2014; Silveira et al, 2012). This conclusion has significant implications for the comprehension of the mechanisms involved in altered feeding behavior and related morbidities such as obesity, as well as the development prevention strategies for humans.…”

Influence of mother nutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation on offspring food preference in experimental models

“…The preference for these foods can lead to nutritional imbalance, and may be persistent, and contribute to the development of obesity and other chronic diseases in adulthood (Portella and Silveira, 2014).…”

Agriculture, health, and wealth convergence: bridging traditional food systems and modern agribusiness solutions

“…However, because the human being is, in turn, a consumer, producer, patient, and citizen, such knowledge, in particular for food, may be critical to achieve impact and scale in both resource‐poor and resource‐rich contexts. For instance, Portella and Silveira examine the determinants of food choice and eating behavior in the especially vulnerable population of children born with fetal growth restrictions. This early adversity induces a series of adaptive physiological responses aimed at improving survival, but imposes increased risk for developing chronic nontransmittable diseases (i.e., obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease) in the long term .…”