Growth and nutrition during the fetal period and the first 24 months after birth are important
determinants of development in early childhood. Optimal nutrition and health care of both the
mother and infant during these first 1000 days of an infant's life are closely linked to growth
learning potential and neurodevelopment in turn affecting long-term outcomes. Children with
low birth weight do not only include premature babies but also those with intrauterine growth
restrictions who consequently have a very high risk of developing metabolic syndrome in the
future. Epidemiology epigenetic programming the correct nutrition strategy and monitoring of
outcomes are thus looked at carefully in this book. More specifically two important
nutritional issues are dealt with in depth: The first being the prevention of low birth weight
starting with the health of adolescent girls through the pre-pregnancy and pregnancy stages
and ending with lactation. The second point of focus concerns the nutritional follow-up and
feeding opportunities in relation to dietary requirements of children with low birth weight.
