Open AccessNutritional influences over the life course on lean body mass of individuals in developing countries
Author(s) -
Kulkarni Bharati,
Hills Andrew P,
Byrne Nuala M
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1111/nure.12097
Subject(s) - malnutrition , lean body mass , life course approach , micronutrient , gerontology , environmental health , affect (linguistics) , nutrition disorders , pregnancy , psychology , medicine , developmental psychology , biology , body weight , endocrinology , population , research methodology , communication , pathology , genetics
The double burden of childhood undernutrition and adult‐onset adiposity in transitioning societies poses a significant public health challenge. The development of suboptimal lean body mass ( LBM ) could partly explain the link between these two forms of malnutrition. This review examines the evidence on both the role of nutrition in “developmental programming” of LBM and the nutritional influences that affect LBM throughout the life course. Studies from developing countries assessing the relationship of early nutrition with later LBM provide important insights. Overall, the evidence is consistent in suggesting a positive association of early nutritional status (indicated by birth weight and growth during first 2 years) with LBM in later life. Evidence on the impact of maternal nutritional supplementation during pregnancy on later LBM is inconsistent. In addition, the role of nutrients (protein, zinc, calcium, vitamin D ) that can affect LBM throughout the life course is described. Promoting optimal intakes of these important nutrients throughout the life course is important for reducing childhood undernutrition as well as for improving the LBM of adults.