Abstract
The way that a fetus obtains and allocates nutritional resources has profound consequences for its life-long health. Under the new developmental model for the origins of chronic disease, the causes to be identified are linked to normal variations in the processes of feto-placental development, that are associated with differences in the supply of nutrients to the baby. These differences programme the function of a few key systems that are linked to chronic disease, including the immune system, anti-oxidant defences, inflammation, and the number and quality of stem cells. There is not a separate cause for each different disease. Which chronic disease originates during development may depend more on timing than on qualitative differences in experience.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | e30-e34 |
Journal | Placenta |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2012 |
Keywords
- Fetal programming
- Maternal nutrition
- Placenta
- Sex differences