Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) is a scientific discipline that studies the correlation between fetal and early infant health and long-term health, development, and chronic diseases.

Pronunciation

Developmental: /dɪˌvɛləpˈmɛntəl/
Origins: /ˈɔːrɪdʒɪnz/
Health: /hɛlθ/
Disease: /dɪˈziːz/

Etymology

The term "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" was coined in the late 20th century. The concept is based on the Barker Hypothesis, named after the British epidemiologist David Barker, who proposed that many chronic diseases could be traced back to early development in the womb.

Related Terms

Description

The DOHaD concept is based on the idea that the environment during embryonic and early postnatal life can program the body's structure, function, and metabolism in ways that affect health in adulthood. This includes the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The DOHaD theory suggests that during critical periods of prenatal and early postnatal life, the body makes adaptations in response to environmental cues. These adaptations can result in permanent changes in the body's structure and function, known as 'fetal programming'.

The DOHaD concept has significant implications for public health and preventive medicine. It suggests that interventions aimed at improving the early life environment could have a significant impact on the risk of chronic diseases in later life.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Wikipedia's article - Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

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Developmental Origins of Health and Disease