Context: The important role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the regulation of food intake and energy balance has been firmly documented in rodents, but human data are sparse. The recently identified functional Leu7Pro polymorphism in the signal peptide region of the prepro-NPY is a useful tool for the investigation of the role of NPY in men. Pro7 substitution has been associated with the following; plasma NPY concentration, the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, birth weight of children, serum triglyceride concentration, and with the funcion of vascular endothelium.

Objective: To analyze the connection between Leu7Pro polymorphism and relative weight, nutrient intakes and serum lipids in early childhood. We followed clously 647 healthy Finnish children participating in the Special Turku Risk factor Intervention Project (STRIP) through their first 9 yr of life.

Results: Leu7Pro polymorphism showed no relation to intakes of energy, macronutrients nor to the relative weight in either gender. However, Pro7 substitution was associated with serum triglyceride concentration in boys at the ages of 5, 7 and 9, years of life.

Conclusion: The functional Leu7Pro polymorphism is unlikely involved in the regulation of adiposity or major nutrient preferences in childhood. In boys the Pro7 variant may have impact on serum triglyceride concentration.