Outstanding Collection in Food magazine
*This collection by Libo Tan, Doctor of ScienceScientific employee of the editorial office Food magazine.
Nutrition plays an important role in the development of health from pregnancy to childhood. Maternal diet influences the nutritional environment of the developing fetus and infant, while early feeding practices and nutritional status influence growth, body composition, and long-term health outcomes. This compilation highlights the seven most recent studies published in it Food magazine which advance our understanding of nutrition, growth and development in the early stages, from pregnancy and lactation to infancy.
Maternal diet quality and BMI as predictors of human milk C-reactive protein concentration
How does maternal nutritional status affect the inflammatory profile of breast milk? This study examined the relationship between maternal nutritional quality, body mass index, and human milk C-reactive protein concentration, providing new insights into factors that may shape the infant feeding environment.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.06.004
Effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on biomarkers of intestinal environmental dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and growth
This study investigated whether maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affects maternal and infant biomarkers related to inflammation, gut health, and growth. The findings contribute to a growing evidence base supporting maternal micronutrient interventions.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.08.032
Maternal dietary choline and DHA supplementation during gestational feed restriction alters hepatic mRNA and miRNA expression patterns in full-term pregnant pigs
Using a translational animal model, researchers have shown that maternal choline and DHA supplementation can alter fetal liver genes and microRNAs, providing mechanistic insights into developmental programming by maternal nutrition.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.01.012
Most of the neonatal iron pool is derived from the gestational diet in a murine model.
This study highlights the importance of maternal dietary iron intake during pregnancy and shows that a large proportion of the infant’s iron stores are obtained directly from the pregnancy diet.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.05.021
Breastfeeding, gut microbiome and growth among children in Lusaka, Zambia
How are breastfeeding practices related to germline development and baby growth? This study explored the complex interactions between breastfeeding, the infant gut microbiome, and growth trajectories in a Zambian cohort.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.10.026
Food supplements fill energy and protein gaps among malnourished children in rural Bangladesh
Researchers evaluated the potential of nutritional supplements to address energy and protein deficiencies among young children in rural Bangladesh and provided evidence to inform nutrition interventions in vulnerable populations.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.12.001
Erythrocyte fatty acid patterns are associated with skeletal muscle mass in Chinese children
This study identified associations between erythrocyte fatty acid profiles and skeletal muscle mass in children, suggesting that fatty acid status may serve as a useful biomarker of growth and body composition.
Read and comment: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2025.01.001
Together, these studies highlight the diverse ways in which nutrition influences health in early life. From maternal nutrient intake and breast milk composition to infant feeding practices, micronutrient status, and infant growth, these studies provide valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals. We invite readers to explore this collection and see how these findings can inform future research, policy, and practice in maternal and child nutrition.
