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Lotfipur, S., Bokaie, M. (2025). Nutrition and environmental factors in the first 1,000 days of life: a decisive role in long-term health. Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences- Journal Management System, (), -.
Seyede Maryam Lotfipur; Mahshid Bokaie. "Nutrition and environmental factors in the first 1,000 days of life: a decisive role in long-term health". Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences- Journal Management System, , , 2025, -.
Lotfipur, S., Bokaie, M. (2025). 'Nutrition and environmental factors in the first 1,000 days of life: a decisive role in long-term health', Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences- Journal Management System, (), pp. -.
Lotfipur, S., Bokaie, M. Nutrition and environmental factors in the first 1,000 days of life: a decisive role in long-term health. Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences- Journal Management System, 2025; (): -.

Nutrition and environmental factors in the first 1,000 days of life: a decisive role in long-term health

Journal of Research in Maternal and Child Health
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 November 2025
Document Type: Scientific Review
Authors
Seyede Maryam Lotfipur1, 2; Mahshid Bokaie* 3
1Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
2Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjani, Iran
3Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Comprehensive Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
Background: The first 1,000 days of life lay the foundation for health, well-being, learning, and productivity throughout an individual’s lifespan, and also influence the health and well-being of the next generation. This review study was conducted with the aim of comprehensively examining the role of nutrition and environmental factors during the first 1,000 days of life and their impact on long-term health.
Methods: In this review article conducted in 2025, a targeted search was performed in scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SIDS, and Iran Medix using keywords such as “first 1000 days of life,” “early-life nutrition,” “environmental determinants,” and “long-term health outcomes.” Relevant studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified. After an initial screening of 200 articles and assessment based on inclusion criteria (including originality, methodological rigor, direct relevance to the topic, and availability of full text), 13 key studies with the highest relevance and quality were selected for in-depth analysis and presentation of findings.
Results: The first 1,000 days of life are influenced by maternal nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and environmental factors such as air pollution, chemical exposures, and socio-economic conditions. All of these factors affect an individual’s long-term health into adulthood through epigenetic, metabolic, and neurological mechanisms.
Conclusion: The first 1,000 days represent a critical window of opportunity to positively influence a child’s health trajectory by ensuring optimal nutrition and a supportive environment. Emphasizing early investments in this area appears essential as a key strategy for promoting public health and reducing health inequalities.
Keywords
Maternal nutrition; Environmental exposure; Complementary Feeding; Disease
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