You are what you eat. “A mother’s diet in the first few days after conception could determine the health of her unborn child for life, say

British researchers. An embryo sets its growth rate according to its environment–a process known as programming. If a mother is

malnourished, for instance, the embryo grows more slowly, which leads to low birthweight. Babies that are born

small are more susceptible to diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes in later life.

Now a team led by Tom Fleming of the University of Southampton suggests that programming may take place in the

four or five days following fertilisation, before the embryo even implants in the womb.” New Scientist