ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the insights developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) thinking in certain specific areas. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly two-thirds of deaths globally and their prevalence is increasing, especially in low-middle income countries undergoing economic transitions, and with urbanization and the adoption of westernized diets and sedentary lifestyle more generally. Adolescence is a second critical developmental stage. The physical, mental and social potential acquired in childhood can blossom into skills, behaviors and opportunities that contribute to better health and well-being in adolescence and later to more productive adulthood. Maternal vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy serves as an example of an intervention early in life which may improve bone mass of the offspring. As for other NCDs, there is good evidence that the risk of osteoporosis is partly set early in the lifecourse, and a range of factors relating to the developmental environment have been shown to be associated with early origins of the condition.
