Maternal Nutrition at Conception Modulates DNA Methylation of Human Metastable Epialleles

    April 2014 in “ Nature communications ”
    Paula Domínguez-Salas, Sophie E. Moore, Maria S. Baker, Andrew W. Bergen, Sharon E. Cox, Roger Dyer, Anthony J. C. Fulford, Yongtao Guan, Eleonora Laritsky, Matt J. Silver, Gary E. Swan, Steven H. Zeisel, Sheila M. Innis, Robert A. Waterland, Andrew M. Prentice, Branwen J. Hennig
    Image of study
    TLDR A mother's diet at conception can cause lasting genetic changes in her child.
    In a study conducted in rural Gambia, researchers found that the maternal diet around the time of conception, influenced by seasonal variations in food availability, affected DNA methylation at metastable epialleles in their offspring. The study demonstrated that the intake of methyl-donor nutrients by mothers led to significant changes in 13 plasma biomarkers, which in turn predicted alterations in the methylation levels of these epialleles in the DNA of lymphocytes and hair follicles of the infants. These findings suggest that the nutritional status of mothers during early pregnancy can lead to lasting epigenetic changes in their children.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 121 results

      community Why is dht bad for scalp hair but good for hair on the rest of body?

      in Satire  109 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses why DHT (dihydrotestosterone) negatively affects scalp hair but promotes growth elsewhere on the body. Various opinions include genetic predispositions, differences in hair follicle reactions to DHT, and the potential role of Omega-3 in reducing inflammation and promoting hair health.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  443 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results