The first 1000 days of life, from conception until the second birthday, are considered by researchers to have a crucial and potentially lifelong effect on the growth and development of children: By influencing intra-uterine growth and development, nutrition is recognized to affect the health even before conception. Changes in the environment to which the embryo, foetus and neonate are exposed can increase the risk factors for chronic diseases that are obesity, diabetes, and hypertension: How can nutrition during this period influence the way that the main fundamental biological and physiological processes are programmed for the entire life span? What are the mechanisms that can positively affect the early programming during these first 1,000 days?