Starting strong: Dietary, behavioral, and environmental factors that promote “strength” from conception to age 2 years1

Abstract

Beginning with conception and continuing through childhood and adolescence, the word “strength” connotes the totality of optimal early bone and tissue growth; neural wiring of the brain; and acquisition of fine motor, gross motor, language, and socioemotional skills. The robustness of each of these attributes depend on 3 critical epigenetic (external) factors: the quality of nutrition; positive adult nurturing; and experiences acquired within a stimulating, safe environment that affords free exploration. This review highlights the relationship between the epigenetic factors in the period of conception to age 2 years and a child’s future health, cognitive capacity, and social aptitude, which collectively comprise their “strength”. This paper was presented as part of the 2018 Strength Summit conference entitled, The Role of Strength in Optimal Health and Well-being.