View point. Can indo-mediterranean-style diets in father and mother influence fetal growth, inflammation, genetic profile, and cardio-metabolic risk in mother and infant?

Four publications in Nature and Cell followed by WHO advise on “life-course approach” on preconception and perinatal factors; these factors appear to be essential for achieving the population health goals of the UNO in 2030. The interaction of the genes and the internal and external environment can influence fetal development, the health of mothers and offspring. The role of pre-conception and perinatal behavioral factors of parents on genetic/epigenetic inheritance of cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs) risk in the off-spring in humans is not least known. The role of epigenetic inheritance, the passing of phenotypic change to subsequent generations in ways that are outside the genetic code of DNA, are not well known. It is unclear whether a complex set of factors, including nutritional factors, come into play during epigenetic inheritance from father and mother to offspring. Chronic high-fat diet in fathers programs β-cell dysfunction in female rat offspring inducing obesity and insulin resistance not yet known in humans [1]. Pregnant women require more energy, protein, iron, iodine, vitamin A, folate, and other nutrients because nutrient deficiencies are associated with maternal complications and death, fetal and newborn death, birth defects, and decreased physical and mental potential of the child. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid and flavonoids during pregnancy can increase oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which may predispose to impaired beta-cell function, and smooth muscle dysfunction leading to increased risk of CMDs. There is an unmet need to find out that adequate energy intake and a diversified diet that includes fruit, vegetables, and animal products throughout the life cycle helps ensure that women enter pregnancy and lactation without deficiencies and obtain adequate nutrients during periods of heightened demand. Since CMDs may develop due to transgenerational inheritance, our strategy is to find out the effects of Indo-Mediterranean diets vs control diet, among father and mother, on complications of pregnancy, fetal development and cardio-metabolic risk factors in the offspring. The outcome of this study may indicate beneficial effects on the mother's health, fetal development, insulin sensitivity, in infancy, mediated by epigenetic and genetic alterations. © 2020 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.