Session at IUNS-ICN2025 – Early Life Nutrition

Session title: Early Life Nutrition, the Basis for Healthy Life
Time and location: TUE 26 AUG | 11:15 - 12:45 | Amphitheatre Bleu
Session chairs: Francesco Visioli (University of Padua, Italy) and Ching-Yu Chang (ILSI Europe, Belgium)

Objective

This scientific session aims to shed light on crucial aspects of early-life nutrition that impact long-term metabolic health, focusing on early biomarkers, lipid quality, and plant protein-based infant formulas. By identifying biomarkers that can predict childhood obesity and metabolic health risks, this session seeks to inform early intervention strategies that promote lifelong well-being. It also examines the role of dietary lipid quality in the first year of life, assessing the impact of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids on infant health and the importance of optimizing intake levels. Additionally, the session will evaluate the nutritional adequacy and feasibility of plant protein-based infant formula as a potential alternative to traditional animal protein formulas, addressing the specific nutritional needs of term-born infants. Together, these discussions aim to support evidence-based recommendations and innovations in early-life nutrition, fostering healthier growth trajectories from infancy onward.

Background

The early nutritional environment is a critical determinant of metabolic health, influencing lifelong outcomes in areas such as obesity and chronic disease. Research has shown that certain biomarkers in early life may serve as indicators of future metabolic health, providing a proactive approach to identify and manage risk factors. By focusing on these biomarkers, researchers hope to pinpoint early warning signs for conditions like childhood obesity, which can have long-lasting health consequences. In parallel, the quality of dietary lipids consumed during infancy, especially the balance of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, is recognized as essential to promoting optimal growth and development. This aspect of infant nutrition is increasingly relevant given evolving dietary guidelines. Additionally, as plant-based nutrition gains popularity, assessing the feasibility of plant protein-based formulas becomes vital for parents seeking alternatives to traditional options. This session brings together current insights and research findings to advance understanding of early-life nutrition's impact on metabolic health, aligning with goals to enhance health outcomes from the earliest stages.

Line up

• Early biomarkers for prediction of metabolic health - Francisco Javier Ruiz-Ojeda (University of Granada, Spain)
• Lipid quality in early life nutrition - Giulia Carla Immacolata Spolidoro (University of Milan, Italy)
• Nutritional quality of plant protein-based infant formula - Kasper Hettinga (Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands