Duke Chronicle reports on The Early Origins Hypothesis

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9/13/06

Prenatal diet may affect baby's future

Gabby McGlynn

Does beauty begin in the womb?

Duke researchers recently found that a mother's diet during pregnancy might have far-reaching effects on various traits of offspring-including appearance.

Scientists have long known about the impact a pregnant woman's eating habits may have on the health of offspring during the prenatal and early postnatal periods--the "early origins hypothesis," said Dana Dolinoy, a post-graduate student in Duke's Integrated Toxicology Program.

"[Their study] has made a worldwide impact on the field of epigenetics," said Dr. Susan Murphy, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Gynecological Oncology at the Duke University Medical Center. "Their work is absolutely cutting edge."