In a report published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the team of researchers including Abegail Fraser, said the study was conducted among 3,600 women with ages ranging from 60 to 79.
The team measured the subjects leg length as compared to trunk length and also measured four liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.
"Each of these markers reflects a different aspect of potential liver damage. In particular, evidence shows that breast-feeding, high-energy intake at four years and childhood affluent socioeconomic position are all associated with longer adult leg length," Fraser's team reported as quoted by Xinhua News.
In conclusion, the team stressed, "Adult liver function is affected by early life environmental exposures as reflected in leg length, and this may suggest common childhood influences on liver development and adult risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease."
