Introduction to DOHaD for Teachers

This series of e-learning modules developed for teachers introduce the concept of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), and explain why the first 1000 days of a child’s life are so important for tackling non-communicable diseases.

Introduction to DOHaD

This module provides an introduction to the concept of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). It covers:

• How the idea of DOHaD emerged through the work of notable researchers
• How the pattern for lifelong health is laid down in early life
• How an individual’s response to the nutritional environment is mediated through changes in developmental pathways

Non-communicable Diseases

This module provides an introduction to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It covers:

• What are NCDs?
• The global prevalence of NCDs and their impact on communities
• How exposure to certain factors in early life can contribute to NCDs

Epigenetics

This module provides an introduction to epigenetic concepts. It covers:

• What is meant by epigenetics and how is it relevant to development?
• Epigenetic processes and how they affect gene expression
• Epigenetic changes and their causes

Plasticity

This module provides an introduction to developmental plasticity. It covers:

• What is plasticity?
• Interaction between genes and the environment
• Adaptations to the nutritional environment

The First 1000 Days

This module discusses the effects of nutrition on the fetus and in childhood. It covers:

• Fetal nutrition and fetal growth
• Low birth weight and postnatal growth
• The metabolic impact of nutritional interventions

Maternal Nutrition: Evidence from Human Studies

This module discusses maternal nutrition based on studies done in humans. It covers:

• Maternal nutrition and its impact on development
• The effects of a mother’s undernutrition on a developing fetus
• How overnutrition affects a developing fetus

Maternal Nutrition: Evidence from Animal Studies

This module discusses maternal nutrition based on studies done with animal models. It covers:

• Evidence from animal studies on periconceptional and moderate maternal undernutrition
• Evidence from animal studies on maternal overnutrition
• The effects of the maternal obesogenic environment on the fetus