Zeitschrift für Allgemeinmedizin

The Golden 1,000 Days

Abstract

Carlo V Bellieni

The first 1,000 days, from conception to the end of the second year after birth, are crucial for the future of any human being. They are crucial for health, for the development of diseases, for learning. In this process, epigenetics and precocious sensory development are the principal routes. Several organizations throughout the globe have highlighted the importance of these 1,000 days. The “1,000 Days” initiative was born in 2010 with the backing of the U.S. Government, the Government of Ireland and several nonprofit organizations, and drove greater action and investment to improve nutrition for women and young children throughout the world. This and similar initiatives aim to improve nutrition in developing and in industrialized countries, where problems are different, but the first 1,000 days are equally crucial; these initiatives are highlighted in the text.