What children eat may influence their health for decades, especially when combined with supportive environments and communities.
A new study in Environment International found that kids with healthier dietary patterns had lower and better-regulated inflammation, an important process tied to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders and brain health. Benefits were even stronger when children also lived with cleaner indoor air, access to natural spaces such as parks and rivers, and strong family and community support.
The research analyzed 845 children from six European countries as part of the Human Early Life Exposome project. By examining blood proteins, immune cell profiles and DNA methylation, scientists identified immune “signatures” that predicted better overall health. Two patterns reflected lower levels of inflammation proteins, while another showed a more balanced mix of immune cells.
“To assess immune health, we analyzed blood samples from each child using three biological layers: white blood cell composition, plasma protein concentrations and genome-wide DNA methylation of white blood cells,” said Ines Amine, researcher at INSERM–Grenoble Alpes University and first author of the study.
Léa Maitre, coordinator of the Exposome Hub at ISGlobal and last author of the study, said the findings highlight how diet and environment combine to influence long-term health. She emphasized that improving air quality, supporting healthy diets, preserving access to natural spaces and strengthening community support systems are actionable strategies that can help regulate inflammation and reduce risks for cardiometabolic, respiratory and neurodevelopmental conditions.
The study underscores the concept of the exposome, the full range of environmental exposures from conception onward, including nutrition, pollution, stress and social context. While observational, the findings suggest that early dietary choices, together with healthier environments and stronger communities, play an important role in shaping children’s immune systems and lifelong health.
This research was supported by European Union funding through the HELIX and ATHLETE projects, along with contributions from national health and research agencies in the UK, Spain, France, Norway, Lithuania and Greece.