Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a combination of carbohydrates (a slow rate of digestion simple carbohydrate, a complex carbohydrate, a nonabsorbent carbohydrate, and an indigestible oligosaccharide) for use in a method of treating a pregnant woman wherein the method results in an improvement in the health of the offspring of the pregnant woman. The disclosure is also directed to use of the combination of carbohydrates for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of a pregnant woman wherein the treatment results in an improvement in the health of the offspring of the pregnant woman. The improvement can be a reduction of at least one long tem adverse health effect and/or an improvement in lean body mass development and formation of the offspring. The combination of carbohydrates may also be administered to the woman during lactation to further the improvement in the health of the offspring.