The Hindu Business Line : No greater risk for low-weight babies

CHILDREN born small and underweight are considered to face risks of chronic diseases as they grow up. But, going by the conclusions of a study carried out by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, this might not be true after all.

According to the study, low birth weight (LBW) children, or those who weigh less than 2.5 kg at birth, are not at any greater risk of contracting diabetes, coronary heart disease and cardio-vascular disorders or the like.

With maternal nutrition being very poor in the country, India ranks second among South-East Asian countries in the number of LBW kids. For 30 per cent of such newborns in the country, the study, which was based on what NIN said was a limited sample profile, should come as sweet music to the ear. It, however, identified a few limitations to its findings.

Among the LBW sample studies, a majority resided in semi-urban areas and were not exposed to the comforts of modern city life. The second was since the sample's age profile was only 16-19 years, it could be a bit early in life for signs and symptoms of chronic diseases. Third, the study was localised and needed to be corroborated by a multi-centric, nationwide survey.

But, in view of reports elsewhere, the LBW children should be periodically monitored to arrive at generalised conclusions on its impact and role in adulthood chronic disease, the study, done by Dr M.P. Rajendra Prasad, said.

LBW, often associated with pre-maturity, has been linked to several problems at birth, for example respiratory infections. Further, a series of global epidemiological studies during the 1980s found that adults born normal in all respects but with LBW were showing up higher risks of diseases concerning the heart, type II diabetes, etc.

Women who do not get adequate nutritional support during pregnancy end up having LBW children. Scientists have been studying reasons, such as stress, encountered by the mother, development of placenta and embryo implantation for LBW and the risks for adult-stage chronic disease.

Till large-scale data arrives, LBW children would do well to exercise regularly, consume fresh foods that would help prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases, the NIN study suggested.

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