Although the information sounds promising, it is important to note that the research was provided by the National Dairy Council, which has more than a passing interest in Americans' consumption of dairy products. When babies are born with low weights, doctors and parents are concerned about immediate health risks. However, new research indicates that a low birth weight may lead to health problems later on, and may increase the risk for end-stage renal disease. This is a form of kidney failure so advanced that transplants are often needed. Researchers studied 1,230 people with end-stage renal disease who were younger than 50.
Doctors believe the link is due to the kidney's filtering system, comprised of nephrons.
Previous studies have shown that premature babies have fewer nephrons, which may lead to kidney problems later on. This research was conducted by doctors from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Similar research has indicated that low birth weight may be linked to asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The reason for this may be poor nutrition during pregnancy and after birth. When low birth weight babies are given a calorie overload to increase their weight, they may be put at risk for later problems with weight, and diseases associated with obesity.