Fetal exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment is associated with an increased risk of numerous chronic diseases in later life. Here, Luyckx and Brenner highlight the emerging developmental risk factors for chronic kidney disease and hypertension, including high birth weight, maternal diabetes mellitus and rapid growth during childhood. The authors discuss the burden imposed on resource-poor countries by suboptimal nutritional intake, and address the benefits of nutritional interventions in reducing the global epidemic of these chronic diseases.
- Valerie A. Luyckx
- Barry M. Brenner