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UK scientists, Indian docs to work for better health of Indian women

UK Bureau
The Hindustan Times

London, May 27, 2003 - A team of scientists at the
University of Southampton will work with doctors from
Mumbai to improve the health of women in India to
subsequently safeguard children from illnesses.

Figures show that because a third of Indian babies have a
low birth weight, they are highly susceptible to
conditions such as heart disease, stroke or type 2
diabetes when they are older.

The team is studying the fetal origins of adult diabetes
and cardiovascular disease in Pune, Mysore, Vellore,
Delhi and Mumbai in India. The scientists are of the
opinion that the main challenge is to improve the size
and physique of women before they become pregnant. They
are also looking at the effect of young women's
lifestyles and dietary habits on their babies' health.

During the study, the doctors plan give a group of women
from the Mumbai area micronutrients, such as copper and
zinc, which they need before pregnancy. They will then
monitor their babies' health.

According to a study of 800 women in Pune, birth size has
been found to be strongly linked to the consumption of
milk, green leafy vegetables and fruits at various stages
of the pregnancy. Dr Caroline Fall, a member of the
University of Southampton's Centre for Fetal Origins of
Adult Disease, said: "Evidence that low birth weight
equates to adult disease is very consistent in this part
of the world. We see the effects when we study children,
many of whom have high blood pressure and we are now
seeing the beginnings of epidemics at the adult end."

Dr Fall, who will present her research at the Fetal
Origins of Adult Disease conference in Brighton in June,
said that many women in developing countries were often
deficient in key micronutrients, essential for a baby's
growth, which they could obtain from fruits and
vegetables. "Many of these women are still growing
themselves when they become pregnant, and their high
levels of manual work affect their size and physique,
particularly if they are undernourished."

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