THE BIOLOGY OF THE FIRST 1,000 DAYS

Item

Title

THE BIOLOGY
OF THE FIRST
1,000 DAYS

Description

The first 1,000 days, from conception to 2 years of age, is a critical window of growth

and development. Exposures to dietary, environmental, hormonal, and other stress-
ors during this period have been associated with an increased risk of adverse health

outcomes. Researchers using cell culture, animal models, and humans have identi-
fied this time as a period of rapid physiological change and plasticity with significant

potential for lasting effects. As such, interventions during the first 1,000 days will

have the greatest impact on outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income coun-
tries where the need is greatest.