Journal Article

Adolescent Nutrition and Chronic Disease Development Through A DOHaD Lens

Chen, Howard, Miliku, Kozeta, Carducci, Bianca, Campisi, Susan

2024

Overview

Background: Adolescence marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and is a critical period for the maturation of biological systems. Proper nutrition during adolescence supports growth and pubertal development. An imbalance of nutrients, along with early puberty onset, may contribute to the development of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). To date, adolescence in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework has not been explored; yet, it is imperative to understand the role of nutrition during this period. Research Objective: To summarize current evidence on the relationship between DOHaD, adolescent nutrition, including the food environment, and NCDs development. We discuss potential biological mechanisms, while considering sex differences. Methods: We searched PubMed with a combination of MeSH and keywords for prospective longitudinal or retrospective studies related to adolescence (10-19.9 years), puberty, nutrition, and NCDs. Our search was limited to relevant articles published after January 2000 to February 2023. Peer-reviewed literature derived from original scientific articles was eligible. Results: We identified seven studies, of which all were part of one of three prospective, longitudinal cohort studies based in Europe. Study publications ranged from 2001 to 2014 with the sample population varying from 195 to 262 participants, with an average of 14.2 years follow-up period. Overall, these studies suggested that high animal protein intake during adolescence is significantly associated with a higher adult fat-free mass index. As well, intake of high-glycemic index foods was associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes markers and inflammation in early adulthood. Discussion: Given the limited number of studies, future research is needed on this critical developmental window. Elevating adolescents as a central focus within multisectoral interventions and strategies is imperative for curtailing NCD risk factors across all life stages, thus advancing us closer to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Publisher: Dietitians of Canada
• Subject: Adolescents / Animal protein / Child development / Children / Critical period / Diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent) / Fat-free body mass / Food intake / Food sources / Human nutrition / Nutrients / Nutrition / Population studies / Puberty / Risk factors / Sex differences / Sustainable development