The level of exercise a man does can boost the mental health of their unborn sons, according to an Australian study.
A team of scientists at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Melbourne say they've identified molecular pathways found in sperm that transmit beneficial exercise-induced signals from fathers down to their male children.
The research on mice suggests sections of a person's DNA known as non-coding RNAs - previously thought of as 'junk' - get into the sperm and effect the genes responsible for the brain development and function of the baby.
Professor Anthony Hannan, who led the study, published in medical journal Translational Psychiatry, says the exciting finding could have major public health and socio-economic implications for the mental health of future generations.
"The fact that we have identified a molecular pathway that could allow the 'inherited' benefits of exercise from your father really shows the power of doing these studies in closely related animal models," said Prof Hannan.
The most "striking" finding was that the male offspring of running mice were better at suppressing bad memories as juveniles.
The fitter mice also bred male offspring with lower anxiety levels compared to those born to inactive male mice.
"In contrast, female offspring of fit fathers showed no differences to the female offspring of sedentary fathers," Prof Hannan said.
At the moment, health advice around conception mainly focuses on healthy lifestyle and diet in women.
This new works emphasises the need to also optimise the father's health, says Prof Hannan
"Not only will more physical activity improve your own health, it could have a positive impact on the health of your offspring."
