B4355 - The association between maternal and infant omega-3 fatty acid iron and vitamin D status and childhood obesity An ALSPAC study - 22/06/2023

B number: 
B4355
Principal applicant name: 
Amanda Avery | University of Nottingham (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Helen Budge, Shalini Ojha, Walaa Asaad
Title of project: 
The association between maternal and infant omega-3 fatty acid, iron and vitamin D status and childhood obesity. An ALSPAC study
Proposal summary: 

This project aims to explore the direct and programming effect of maternal and infant consumption of three key nutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin D) on subsequent indicators of childhood obesity. Dietary records and anthropometric/body composition data and genetic profiles from ALSPAC will be analysed to determine if there are any associations between maternal/infant omega-3 fatty acid, iron and/or vitamin D status and body composition measures, including weight, length/height, levels of adiposity and muscle mass. To investigate if these nutrients have an obesity programming effect, the dietary intake of pregnant women (in week 32 of pregnancy) will be analysed, along with the serum samples for the same nutrients to explore if the nutritional status has an effect on infant levels of obesity. To see if these nutrients influence levels of infant and childhood body composition, both short-term and longer term effects will be investigated (infant at age 4 months and child at age 36 months).

Impact of research: 
Childhood obesity is an increasing public health concern at local, national and international level affecting short and long-term physical and psychological health. It is important that we extend our knowledge as to how nutrition may influence subsequent risk of childhood obesity to that appropriate intervention studies can be developed.
Date proposal received: 
Wednesday, 21 June, 2023
Date proposal approved: 
Thursday, 22 June, 2023
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Obesity, Statistical methods, Nutrition - breast feeding, diet