Does the intrauterine condition dictate chronic metabolic disorders in the adult life?

Abstract

Foetal development has dictated by maternal gestational diet and intrinsic factors, physical activity, and environmental stimulations. Many studies provided evidence for metabolic disorders in adult life who underwent under nutrition during their foetal life. This review is an effort to use the published data to know the effect of the intrauterine environment on chronic metabolic disorders. Here, we discuss the impact of foetal under nutrition on the development of chronic metabolic diseases. Intrauterine under nutrition negatively influences health after birth. In adults, under-nutrition in utero results in metabolic impairments and cognitive impairments. Under nutrition during foetal/embryonic development influences human physiology and has a lifelong effect, often called foetal programming. This review concludes that the intrauterine environment and foetal nutrition play a significant role in developing chronic metabolic disorders. Therefore, this study provides the necessary insight into target timely interventions in the earliest possible time to prevent offspring from developing chronic diseases in adult life.