The Impact of Parental Preconception Nutrition, Body Weight, and Exercise Habits on Offspring Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Abstract

An increasing number of studies highlight the critical role of both maternal and paternal nutrition and body weight before conception in shaping offspring health. Traditionally, research has focused on maternal factors, particularly in utero exposures, as key determinants of chronic disease development. However, emerging evidence underscores the significant influence of paternal preconception health on offspring metabolic outcomes. While maternal health remains vital, with preconception nutrition playing a pivotal role in fetal development, paternal obesity and poor nutrition are linked to increased risks of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in children. This narrative review aims to synthesize recent findings on the effects of both maternal and paternal preconception health, emphasizing the need for integrated early interventions. The literature search utilized PubMed, UNF One Search, and Google Scholar, focusing on RCTs; cohort, retrospective, and animal studies; and systematic reviews, excluding non-English and non-peer-reviewed articles. The findings of this review indicate that paternal effects are mediated by epigenetic changes in sperm, such as DNA methylation and non-coding RNA, which influence gene expression in offspring. Nutrient imbalances during preconception in both parents can lead to low birth weight and increased metabolic disease risk, while deficiencies in folic acid, iron, iodine, and vitamin D are linked to developmental disorders. Additionally, maternal obesity elevates the risk of chronic diseases in children. Future research should prioritize human studies to explore the influence of parental nutrition, body weight, and lifestyle on offspring health, ensuring findings are applicable across diverse populations. By addressing both maternal and paternal factors, healthcare providers can better reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated risks in future generations.