Investigating how famine during pregnancy affects long-term health
Genetic analysis of the Dutch Hunger Winter Families Study to Boost Rigor and Robustness for Testing In-Utero Famine Effects on Aging-Related Health Conditions and Biological Aging
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10846566
This study looks at how being born during a time of famine, like the Dutch Hunger Winter, might affect health later in life, especially regarding issues like obesity and diabetes, to help us understand how early nutrition can impact our well-being as we age.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10846566 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research examines the long-term health effects of famine experienced during pregnancy, specifically focusing on individuals born during the Dutch Hunger Winter. By comparing the health outcomes of those born during this period to those born before or after, the study aims to identify potential links between early life nutritional deprivation and conditions such as obesity and diabetes in adulthood. The approach utilizes a natural experiment, leveraging historical data from a significant famine event to draw conclusions about health impacts without the ethical concerns of randomized trials. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform preventive measures for aging-related health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were born during the Dutch Hunger Winter or those interested in the long-term effects of early life nutritional conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who were not born during the Dutch Hunger Winter or who do not have a history of early life nutritional deprivation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that prevent or mitigate the long-term health effects of early nutritional deprivation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research using natural experiments to study the effects of early life conditions on health has shown promising results, suggesting that this approach is both valid and insightful.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUMEY, L H — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: LUMEY, L H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.