Abstract

LOPEZ-BLANCO, Mercedes; MACHADO, Livia; LOPEZ, Ana  and  HERRERA CUENCA, Marianella. Developmental origins of health and disease in Venezuela. Arch Venez Puer Ped [online]. 2014, vol.77, n.3, pp.137-143. ISSN 0004-0649.

The rapid nutrition transition in Venezuela is a result of a high urbanization process with changes in life style, a rise in sedentarism and the substitution of the traditional diet. The population is at risk: a high percentage of adolescent pregnancies, a rise in child and maternal mortality, a high prevalence of low birth weight, rising prevalence of morbidity and mortality of chronic diseases related to nutrition, insufficient exclusive breast feeding practices. A double burden of under nutrition and obesity is found. Although obesogenic niches and unhealthy life styles that lead to obesity and its morbidities are evident, developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) and early nutrition programming in the first 1000 days are determinant through epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene function without altering DNA. The mismatch or the fuel-mediated, as well as the accelerated postnatal growth hypothesis are postulated. Optimal pre and post conception nutrition status is recommended as well as appropriate weight gain during pregnancy; promotion of exclusive breast feeding through the first semester and complementary up to 2 years, also physical activity and frequent family dining; prevention of accelerated postnatal growth; the double burden should be considered in intervention programs that should be focalized. Pediatricians must identify cardio metabolic risk at an early stage.

Keywords : Nutrition transition; DOHaD; obesogenic niches; epigenetics; chronic nutrition --related diseases; obesity.

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