HEALTH PROMOTION
The First 1,000 Days of Life
Nutritional interventions in this period of life are even more important than later ones. It has been proved that cost-effectiveness is much higher if nutritional intervention begins between pregnancy and the child’s first two years. Investing in children’s nutrition to improve health and human capital when they become adults pays off.
The First 1,000 Days of Life comprise the period from conception to the 24th month of life, which is considered the most important window of opportunity in a human being’s life, as it is a period of physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that impact growth and development.
Under proper health and nutrition conditions, the child “is being prepared” to be a healthy adult. It is an important phase not only for disease prevention but also for establishing healthy habits and full development.
In this period, brain cells make up one million new neural connections every second and these synapses occur in the babies’ first years of life. Thus, offering all nutrients that the child needs, stimulating interaction with the environment, and building knowledge and care with emotions are crucial for healthy development.
