Are you a soon-to-be father or do you know someone who is expecting a child? New research has revealed that what fathers eat can have a lasting effect on the future health of their unborn children. The Queensland Family Cohort study, led by The University of Queensland and Mater Research, found that the diets of expecting fathers can strongly influence the dietary intake of pregnant women.
According to Principal Investigator Professor Vicki Clifton, behaviors during the first 1,000 days of life, starting from conception, can impact the future health of children. Healthy eating during pregnancy is crucial for providing the unborn child with a foundation for good health, but many pregnant women are not meeting the recommended dietary guidelines.
Lead author Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson emphasized the importance of educating and supporting partners to improve the eating habits of expectant mothers. The study also highlighted the impact of a partner's eating habits on pregnant women and the need for evidence-informed public health policies to improve diet quality during pregnancy.
The study found that a low proportion of participants met the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, women with a higher pre-pregnancy BMI were more likely to gain above the recommended weight gain ranges, indicating the need for intervention programs to prevent intergenerational effects.
The research not only sheds light on the impact of fathers' diets on the health of their unborn children but also emphasizes the role of partners in supporting healthy eating during pregnancy. So, future fathers, it's time to pay attention to your diet not only for your own health but also for the well-being of your future child. Join the Queensland Family Cohort study to learn more about how you can make a positive impact on the health of your family.