Junk food cravings may be inherited
Rushda:
August 15th, 2007
After doing a number of tests on animals, researchers from the Royal Veterinary College believe they have seen a possible link between the food mothers eat during pregnancy and the eating habits of their children. Indeed it is very likely, they say, that those mothers who eat lots of junk food when they are pregnant will have children who also have the same cravings.
The results come after studying pregnant rats which were given different diets. Those rats who were given unhealthy foods like crisps and sweets were found to have babies who ate more unhealthily too. On the other hand, pregnant rats who were fed “rat chow”, an unappealing but more healthy diet, gave birth to rats who were more likely to eat it, even after being allowed the unhealthy foods as well.
The head of research, Professor Neil Stickland, believes there is evidence to suggest that humans work in the same way. He argues that the mother’s diet is vital for ensuring children’s health. He says:
“The government is trying to encourage healthier eating habits in school, but this shows that we need to start during the foetal and suckling life. Future mothers should be aware that pregnancy and lactation are not the time to over-indulge on fatty and sugary treats on the assumption that they are ‘eating for two’.”
A healthy and balanced diet for the mother has always been encouraged but these results emphasise its importance even more. Obviously a lot more needs to be done before a link similar to that found in rats can be established in humans. However, if it really is the case that cravings can be inherited, it is perhaps possible for mothers to give their children a healthier start by being careful about their own diet before giving birth.