The first thousand days of every person’s life are so important that it is called “Golden Thousand Days”. But why? This period includes from the beginning of pregnancy to the second birthday of the child. A thousand golden days is a unique and decisive period that has a profound effect on human physical growth, cognitive development and long-term health. This critical phase provides an exceptional opportunity to build solid foundations for the future. Neglecting nutritional and developmental needs during this period can have irreparable consequences for the individual and the society.
Why are the first thousand days of human life important?
The first thousand days of life is one of the most critical periods of human development. In this period of time, physical, brain and cognitive growth occurs rapidly and the foundations of health and success are laid throughout a person’s life. In the following, we discuss the reasons for the importance of this course:
1. Rapid growth of brain and body
In the first thousand days, the baby’s brain grows at an unprecedented speed and important neural structures are formed. Proper nutrition during this period is essential for brain development, learning and cognitive abilities. Also, the rapid physical growth during this period requires the intake of sufficient nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
2. Prevention of future health problems
Nutrition during this period can reduce the possibility of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and obesity in the future. Proper nutrition, in addition to reducing these risks, strengthens the immune system and makes the child more resistant to infectious diseases.
3. Epigenetic effects
During this period, the environment and nutrition can have a long-term effect on a person’s health through epigenetics, that is, the changes that occur in the expression of genes. Nutrients consumed by the mother during pregnancy and nutrition of the child in the early years of life can determine the path of his growth and health.
4. Prevention of malnutrition and its complications
Malnutrition in the first thousand days can lead to short stature, extreme thinness and growth delay. These problems not only threaten physical health, but also negatively affect the child’s cognitive performance and learning ability.
5. Building the foundations for future success
Children who receive proper nutrition and adequate care during this period:
- They have better academic performance.
- They have more chances for career success.
- They have better mental and physical health in adulthood.
The consequences of malnutrition extend beyond childhood. Mother’s health is also affected and the cycle of malnutrition continues from generation to generation. Children born to malnourished mothers are at increased risk for developmental delays and lifelong problems.
Steps of a thousand golden days
This sensitive period is divided into four main stages, each of which requires special nutritional support and care:
1. Pregnancy (first 270 days)
During pregnancy, the mother’s diet and nutrient reserves are the only source of nutrition for the fetus. Vital nutrients such as iron, protein, zinc, iodine, folic acid and healthy fats play an important role in the development of the brain, nervous system and organs. Deficiencies in these nutrients can increase the risk of developmental delays, birth defects, and cognitive problems.
2. Birth to six months: exclusive breastfeeding
As a complete natural food, breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients for the first six months of a child’s life. In addition to protecting against infections, this amazing substance reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma and promotes cognitive and motor development. Exclusive breastfeeding is very important at this stage.
3. Six to twelve months: complementary feeding with breast milk
After six months, the baby’s energy and nutrient needs exceed the amount provided by breast milk. This is a critical period to introduce complementary feeding, that is, semi-solid foods along with continued breastfeeding. If this stage is delayed, the child may have difficulty chewing and accepting solid foods. Complementary feeding not only meets nutritional needs, but also helps the development of a child’s digestive system, taste and social skills.
4. One to two years old: transition to a family diet
At this stage, children can gradually consume family foods. Solid foods have become the primary source of energy and nutrients, and breastfeeding continues to provide additional benefits. During this period, children should eat three to four balanced meals a day along with healthy snacks.
Consequences of neglecting a thousand golden days
Neglecting nutritional and care needs during this period can have serious and irreparable consequences. The following are the most important consequences of this negligence:
1. Short stature and developmental delay
Malnutrition during this period can lead to stunting, a condition in which the child’s growth is severely slowed down compared to his peers. Short stature not only has a physical effect, but is also associated with cognitive problems and poor academic performance.
2. Severe emaciation and weak immunity
A lack of essential nutrients can cause excessive weight loss (wasting) and reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. Children who are not fed enough during this period are more exposed to infectious diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea.
3. Cognitive and learning problems
Lack of proper nutrition during the thousand golden days can disrupt brain development and reduce cognitive abilities, concentration and memory. This has a direct impact on a person’s academic performance and future job opportunities.
4. Increased risk of chronic diseases
Improper nutrition during this period can make a person prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, obesity and high blood pressure in adulthood. Epigenetic effects of malnutrition can increase these risks for future generations as well.
5. The cycle of poverty and malnutrition
Children who suffer from short stature or physical weakness due to improper nutrition in the first thousand days of life, have less ability to work and produce in adulthood. This situation causes a decrease in income and productivity, and the cycle of poverty and malnutrition continues in the family and society.
6. Economic costs for society
Malnutrition in the first thousand days of life affects not only the individual, but also the economy of a country. Medical costs to manage the health consequences of malnutrition and reduced labor productivity cost billions of dollars in economic losses.
7. Increase in child mortality
Children who do not receive enough nutrition during this period are more at risk of dying from diseases and infections. UNICEF reports that malnutrition is one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of five.
Solutions to prevent consequences
To avoid these serious consequences, the following actions should be prioritized:
- Proper nutrition for pregnant mothers: Providing vital nutrients to support fetal growth.
- Promotion of exclusive breastfeedingEmphasis on breastfeeding in the first six months of life.
- Timely supplementary feeding: Starting complementary feeding from six months along with continuing breastfeeding.
- Access to healthy and nutritious foods: Ensuring access of children and mothers to proper food even in crisis situations.
The inescapable importance of a thousand golden days
The first thousand days of life (from pregnancy to the second year of birth) is one of the most important periods of human development, the effects of which are undeniable on a person’s health, growth and future success. Proper nutrition during this period is essential for physical and brain development and disease prevention. Neglecting this period can lead to serious problems such as short stature, chronic diseases, weak immunity and negative effects on cognitive abilities.
Investing in the nutrition of pregnant mothers, exclusive breastfeeding, timely complementary feeding and access to healthy foods is the key to preventing these problems and building a healthier and more successful future. Paying attention to a thousand golden days guarantees not only the health of the individual, but also the social and economic well-being of the society.
Source: UNICEF researchgate
Source Link
