Parental Influences On Child Begin Before Conception


MELBOURNE: Kids born to unhealthy parents are already pre-programmed for greater risk of poor health, with higher odds of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, scientists say.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide say environmental factors prior to conception have more influence on the child's future than previously thought.

"This really is a new frontier for reproductive and developmental research," said Professor Sarah Robertson, corresponding author and Director of the University's Robinson Research Institute.

The research concludes that parental influences on a child begin before conception, because stored environmental factors in the egg and sperm are contributing more than just genetic material to the child.

"Many things we do in the lead up to conceiving is having an impact on the future development of the child - from the age of the parents, to poor diet, obesity, smoking and many other factors, all of which influence environmental signals transmitted into the embryo," Robertson said.

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Source: PTI