Abstract
Pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is common
and can be seen as early as in utero. A growing body of literature suggests that gestational and early life exposures
modify the risk of MASLD development in children. These include maternal risk factors,
such as poor cardiometabolic health (e.g., obesity, gestational diabetes, rapid weight
gain during pregnancy, and MASLD), as well as periconceptional dietary exposures,
degree of physical activity, intestinal microbiome, and smoking. Paternal factors,
such as diet and obesity, also appear to play a role. Beyond gestation, early life
dietary exposures, as well as the rate of infant weight gain, may further modify the
risk of future MASLD development. The mechanisms linking parental health and environmental
exposures to pediatric MASLD are complex and not entirely understood. In conclusion,
investigating gestational and developmental contributors to MASLD is critical and
may identify future interventional targets for disease prevention.
Keywords
NAFLD - fatty liver - pregnancy - children - diet
