Brazilian nutrition studies on parental diet and infant-born

Research conducted by Brazilian academic institutions, including the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), has identified links between parental nutritional habits and newborn health.

Studies from USP indicate that the consumption of ultra-processed foods by both mothers and fathers is associated with infant physical measurements, such as weight and adiposity. Specifically, researchers at the Ribeirão Preto Medical School suggest that high intake of items like sodas, cookies, and packaged snacks by fathers may influence fat accumulation in newborns. This process is hypothesized to occur through epigenetic modifications, such as the methylation of the IGF-II gene, which affects fetal growth.

Complementary research from UFPR highlights socio-demographic factors, noting that lower income and younger age correlate with higher consumption of foods high in sugar and fat. Additionally, the research observed that a high percentage of adolescent pregnant women and first-time mothers consume meals while watching screens, a habit that may impact satiety perception.