Summary of the workshop

Abstract

The International Life Sciences Institute North American Branch, in conjunction with the International Life Sciences Institute Research Foundation, on 8–9 July 2008, sponsored the workshop “Early Risk Determinants and Later Health Outcomes: Implications for Research Prioritization and the Food Supply.” A primary objective was to focus on the relative influence of genetics and environmental factors, particularly in relation to specific nutrients and food components, on determinants of risk within the developmental stages of pregnancy, infancy (0–12 mo), and early childhood (≤5 y of age). A panel of experts concluded the workshop by providing their reactions to the papers presented while attempting to identify the critical time windows and the research gaps and challenges for future research. This was followed by a discussion of how the food industry might assist in the acquisition and translation of the knowledge of the determinants of disease to improve human health.