CompletedObservational

Epigenetic mechanisms linking a mothers’ nutrition to the health of her children in India and Sub-Saharan Africa

What a mother eats before and during pregnancy can shape her child's future health. The EMPHASIS study explores this connection by following children in India and The Gambia whose mothers took part in earlier pregnancy nutrition trials. Researchers are studying a process called DNA methylation. This is like a set of chemical switches that can turn genes on or off without altering the genetic code itself. Scientists want to see if better nutrition before and during pregnancy leaves healthy marks on these switches. Children aged five to seven have their growth, heart health, bone strength, and memory checked. They also provide blood and cheek swab samples. By understanding how early diet affects a child's development, researchers hope to create better dietary advice for women planning a pregnancy, helping to protect future generations from long-term illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and stroke.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Southampton

Enrolment target

293

Start

04 Dec 2015

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2018

DNA methylation, growth, body composition, neuro-development, cardio-metabolic risk, bone health

What is this study about?

Good nutrition is vital when planning a family. What a woman eats before becoming pregnant and during the early weeks of pregnancy helps lay the foundations for her baby's lifelong health. The EMPHASIS study brings together researchers from the UK, India, and The Gambia to find out exactly how early nutrition leaves lasting biological marks on a child.

The project focuses on 'epigenetics'. You can think of your DNA as an instruction manual, and epigenetics as the bookmarks and highlights that tell the body which pages to read. A mother's diet can add chemical tags (called DNA methylation) to a baby's DNA. These tags do not change the genes themselves, but they can influence how the body grows, handles sugar, and manages body fat as the child grows older.

To study this, scientists are following up on two previous trials where mothers received extra vitamins and nutrient-rich foods before and during pregnancy. By checking on the children years later, the team can see whether these maternal food supplements led to healthier growth, stronger bones, and better heart health.

Ultimately, this research aims to give young women clearer, evidence-based advice on diet and supplements before they conceive. By improving nutrition at the very start of life, scientists hope to reduce the global burden of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Key takeaways

The EMPHASIS study examines how a mother's diet before and during pregnancy influences her child's lifelong health.
Researchers are looking at chemical marks on DNA (epigenetics) that control how genes are switched on or off.
The study follows children aged 5 to 7 in India and The Gambia whose mothers took part in earlier nutritional trials.
Assessments include measurements of growth, bone health, heart health, memory, and small blood and saliva samples.
There are no new drugs involved, and participation is entirely voluntary.

Who may be eligible?

This study is only open to children whose mothers took part in one of two specific maternal nutrition studies. The first group includes children in Mumbai, India, whose mothers joined the Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project and began taking food supplements at least three months before becoming pregnant.

The second group includes children in rural Gambia whose mothers took part in the Peri-conceptional Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Trial. In both groups, the children must have been born as single babies (not twins or triplets) and be aged between five and seven years old.

To be included, the child must be generally healthy, and their parents or guardians must give full written consent for the health checks, learning assessments, and the collection of DNA samples. Children whose mothers did not start the nutritional supplements early enough before conception cannot join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child is between 5 and 7 years of age.
I took part in either the Mumbai Maternal Nutrition Project (India) or the PMMST trial (The Gambia) before and during my pregnancy.
If in the Mumbai trial, I started the nutritional supplements at least three months before becoming pregnant.
My child was born as a single baby (not a twin or triplet).
I am happy to give consent for health checks, thinking games, and DNA sample collection for my child.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is observational, which means your child will not be asked to take any new medicines or follow a special diet. Instead, the study team monitors how the children are growing and developing over time.

During a study visit, trained staff will carry out routine health checks. These include measuring your child's height, weight, body shape, and bone strength. The team will also check indicators of heart and metabolic health, such as blood pressure and how the body processes sugar. Children will complete some age-appropriate puzzles and thinking tasks to assess their learning and memory.

To look at gene switches, the team will gently take a cheek swab and a small blood sample. These samples are tested in secure research laboratories to look at patterns of DNA methylation. The visits take place at local research centres in Mumbai or rural Gambia, and families are kept informed about what will happen at every step.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical treatments offered in this study, so it will not directly improve your child's health. However, taking part helps doctors understand how early nutrition protects against chronic diseases, which could help millions of mothers and children in the future. The risks of taking part are very small. The physical measurements and puzzles are safe and painless. A blood test can cause brief stinging, mild discomfort, or a tiny bruise, but trained paediatric staff perform these carefully to minimise any distress. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time without giving a reason and without affecting your normal healthcare.

Locations (6)

MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit
City only
Southampton, England
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Approximate
London, England
Elsie Widdowson Laboratory
City only
Cambridge, England
CSIR Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
City only
Hyderabad, India
Centre for the Study of Social Change
City only
Mumbai, India
MRC Unit, The Gambia
Unverified
Banjul, Gambia

Common questions

What does 'epigenetics' mean?

Epigenetics refers to natural chemical tags that sit on top of your DNA. They act like switches to turn genes on or off, affecting how your body works without changing your actual genetic code.

Will my child have to take any drugs or supplements?

No. This is an observational follow-up study. The mothers received supplements before or during pregnancy, but the children will only have health checks and routine tests.

Are the health checks painful for my child?

Most checks—like measuring height, bone density, and memory games—are completely painless. Taking a blood sample can cause a small scratch or sting, but staff are trained to keep children calm and comfortable.

Why is the study being done in India and The Gambia?

The earlier nutrition trials took place in these regions, making it possible to follow the exact same children years later. It also helps researchers understand how nutrition affects health in different global populations.

Can we change our minds after agreeing to take part?

Yes. You can withdraw your child from the study at any time. Doing so will not affect your family's normal medical care or support in any way.

How to find out more

Caroline Fall

chdf@mrc.soton.ac.uk +44 (0)2380 777624 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.