Improving Nutrition in the First 1000 Days in the United States: A Federal Perspective
Heather C. Hamner, Jennifer Nelson, Andrea J. Sharma, Maria Elena Jefferds, Carrie Dooyema, Rafael Flores-Ayala, Andrew A. Bremer, Ashley J. Vargas, Kellie Casavale, Janet de Jesus, Eve Stoody, Kelley S. Scanlon, Cria G. Perrine
Abstract
The first 1000 days begins with pregnancy and ends at the child’s second birthday. Nutrition throughout the life course, and especially during the first 1000 days, supports maternal health and optimal growth and development for children. We give a high-level summary of the state of nutrition in the first 1000 days in the United States. We provide examples where continued efforts are needed. We then discuss select opportunities to strengthen federal research and surveillance, programs, and communication and dissemination efforts aimed at improving nutrition and positively, and equitably, influencing the health and well-being of mothers and children. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S8):S817–S825. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307028 )