The exposure of the fetus to adverse nutritional conditions has long-term effects, which can then extend into adulthood. These include increased rates of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Some cancer rates are also reported to increase, and there is evidence that neurological deficiencies occur in adults who were previously exposed to nutritional inadequacies in utero. There are complex interrelationships between these aforementioned conditions and their causative mechanisms. These include deficient receptor-post-receptor signaling, endocrine imbalance, defective DNA methylation, and alterations in other pathways. It is highly probable that many scientific processes are intertwined in a multifaceted way, impacting on the fetus and then the adult. Understanding these causative events, effects, and long-term outcomes means that there are windows of opportunity throughout the life cycle where diet and nutrition can be monitored, controlled, or rectified where necessary.
