In The Beginning Lies The Risk: Fetal Toxic Exposure And The Origins Of Adult Disease

Current Studies for Sustainable Health

Editors: Şerif DEMİR, Fatma Nur TAKI, Yusuf UZUN


Current Studies for Sustainable Health

15

In The Beginning Lies The Risk: Fetal Toxic Exposure And The Origins Of Adult Disease

Chapter Authors: sra KIRSEVER, Gülnihal ŞİŞMAN, Hümeyra ŞİŞMAN

Pages: 151-182

The global rise in the incidence of chronic diseases during the late twentieth century has underscored that disease etiology extends beyond genetic predispositions and adult lifestyle factors. Within this framework, the Fetal Origins of Adult Diseases (FOAD) hypothesis highlights a strong association between low birth weight and the subsequent development of various chronic conditions, identifying the intrauterine period as a critical biological window that programs long-term health outcomes. This hypothesis aligns with the holistic approach historically emphasized in numerous traditional medical systems, which posit that maternal health before and during pregnancy is decisive for the wellbeing of future generations. These traditions advocate for the physical, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium of the mother, as well as her preparation for the birthing process. The FOAD hypothesis is grounded in the concept of “developmental plasticity,” whereby the fetus adapts to in utero environmental cues through metabolic reprogramming as a survival strategy. Nevertheless, the escalating environmental toxicity associated with modern lifestyles adversely affects these adaptive processes. Contemporary research demonstrates that the placenta is permeable to a wide range of synthetic toxicants, exposing the fetus to chemical burdens even before birth. The detection of hundreds of chemicals in umbilical cord blood indicates that fetal development occurs under substantially greater environmental stress than previously recognized. This heightened toxic exposure can cause permanent disruptions in organogenesis and contributes to the pathogenesis of congenital anomalies and later-life conditions, including hormonal disorders, infertility, diabetes, and cancer. Consequently, the environmental toxic burden associated with modern living constitutes a significant threat to both maternal and fetal health, with long-term implications for subsequent generations. Mitigating this risk and promoting sustainable health necessitates the reduction of environmental toxicants and the enhancement of endogenous detoxification pathways, ideally through a comprehensive, holistic health approach.

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