Research Says Fathers' Age And Lifestyle Linked With Birth Defects

Fathers' age and lifestyle are linked to birth defects that may span several generations, research has revealed. Georgetown University Medical Center researchers have found that it is not only mothers who have an impact on the health of their children.

"But our study shows the same thing to be true with fathers—his lifestyle, and how old he is, can be reflected in molecules that control gene function," said. Joanna Kitlinska, PhD via Science Daily. Kitlinska is an associate professor in biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology.

According to Kitlinska, a newborn may be diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) even though the mother might never have drunk alcoholic beverages. "Up to 75 percent of children with FASD have biological fathers who are alcoholics, suggesting that preconceptual paternal alcohol consumption negatively impacts their offspring," said Kitlinska. 

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Effects Of The Father's Age And Lifestyle

There were several findings from different studies reviewed by the researchers, Bioscience Technology reported. Among these, one found that old age of fathers correlated to higher levels of autism, birth defects and schizophrenia in his children.

In another study, it was found that a father's obesity was associated with brain cancer development, diabetes, enlarged fat cells, changes in the regulation of metabolism and obesity. Psychosocial paternal stress was also associated with faulty behavioral traits in his children and paternal alcoholism was linked to lower weight in newborns, smaller brain sizes and impaired cognition.

Fathers' Impact On Children Should Be Studied Further

Not all studies were negative however, Daily Mail said. One Swedish study revealed that fathers who restricted their food intake during their childhood had children and grandchildren with a lower risk of death from heart disease.

"This new field of inherited paternal epigenetics needs to be organized into clinically applicable recommendations and lifestyle alternations," Kitlinska said. Kitlinska added that the impact of mothers and fathers to their children should be studied together. Kitlinska and her colleagues' study was published in the American Journal of Stem Cells.

Do you think there has been too little focus on the impact of fathers on the health of their offspring? Write your comments below.