• Childhood obesity and overweight are pressing global concerns, with Australia witnessing a 24% prevalence among children recently.

• Fetal malnutrition is linked to later obesity risk, influenced by prenatal and postnatal environments.

• A secondary analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) dataset was conducted to identify modifiable risk factors, like maternal dietary habits during pregnancy.

• BMI z-score and weight status were outcome variables, while prenatal maternal dietary exclusion (PMDE) and supplement use were risk and moderator variables.

1. No direct association was found between PMDE and the child's BMI z-score.

2. PMDE of certain foods had varied effects on weight status, with fish and egg exclusion associated with higher odds of unhealthy weight.

3. Prenatal dietary supplement use, especially folate and iron, moderated some associations, often increasing BMI z-scores and overweight/obesity risk.

4. Dietary supplements alone didn't significantly impact childhood obesity risk, potentially depending on the mother’s overall diet.

• These findings stress the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and suggest possible adjustments to dietary recommendations for better child health outcomes.

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