Background
From a life-course perspective, although we know that influences in early development can have long-term health impacts, we still have much to learn about the specific factors and mechanisms related to the developmental origins of health and disease and the markers for these phenomena. Key to this knowledge is understanding how specific genetic, biological, environmental, behavioral, and social factors interact over time to influence health and disease susceptibility, particularly in a developing organism and through epigenetic mechanisms. Such an understanding can help to prevent child and adult disease, prevent and reduce disability, and promote lifelong health and habilitation.
Download Developmental Origins of Health and Disease White Paper (PDF - 341 KB)
