Poor diet and suboptimal nutrition during pregnancy has been linked to serious health conditions in mothers as well as increased risk of poor outcomes for both mother and baby. Furthermore, these conditions have been linked to ongoing issues throughout childhood including metabolic dysfunction, malnutrition, asthma, and increased risk of food allergies. Research has shown that dairy foods during pregnancy may be linked to better neurocognitive development in children as well as decreased risk of childhood asthma and certain inflammatory disorders. To date, more research is needed to understand the impact of dairy intake during the gestational period and childhood health outcomes.

Accordingly, National Dairy Council is seeking pre-proposal applications examining the relationship between dairy food intake during the gestational period and its impact on health and development throughout childhood. Health outcomes to be considered include, but not limited to, cardiometabolic health outcomes, risk of overweight or obesity, cognitive development, and onset of food allergies.