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Editorial
July 1, 2019

Prenatal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Participation: A Step Toward Human Capital Development

Author Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
  • 2RTI International
JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(9):815-816. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1682

The first 1000 days (conception to age 24 months) represent a foundational period for lifelong health, well-being, and productivity linked to development of human capital (the knowledge, skills, and competencies that influence individual productivity). Prenatal stress and lack of adequate nutrients can disrupt fetal physiologic processes, leading to epigenetic changes that can alter subsequent health and functioning.1 Global initiatives, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health, recognize the positive effect that ensuring infant health has on entire societies.

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