Beyond genes: How fathers play a biological role in the health of future generations [Summary]

A significant proportion of New Zealand men may be impacting the health  of their future children through poor health and lifestyle behaviours  prior to conception. Koi Tū’s latest evidence brief sheds light on how a  father’s physical and mental health, age, and alcohol and drug use can  affect the health of future  generations. Most research on the effect of  environmental conditions on young children’s wellbeing has focused on  pregnant women, but human and  animal studies are increasingly  suggesting that biological fathers may pass on disease risks via sperm.  The brief suggests several ways to promote awareness of the role both  men and women play across generations in order to help normalise shared  responsibility for children’s health.