How much loss to follow-up is acceptable in long-term randomised trials and prospective studies?

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that health and development in adult life is influenced or “programmed” by factors, including nutrition, operating during foetal life and infancy. Early nutrition in a variety of animal species, including primates, has been demonstrated to influence later outcomes, including the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, learning and behaviour problems and longevity (see supplementary data).