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Killing Me Softly: The Fetal Origins Hypothesis
Douglas Almond1, Janet Currie1
1Douglas Almond is Associate Professor of Economics and International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York City, New York. This paper was written while he was on leave at the Department of Policy Analysis and Management, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Janet Currie is Sami Mnaymneh Professor of Economics, Columbia University, New York City, New York. Almond is a Research Associate and Currie is Director of the Program on Children, both at the National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The fetal origins hypothesis suggests early life conditions, like in-utero nutrition, impact adult health and economic outcomes. This theory, supported by economic research, shows significant long-term effects on individuals.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
- Developmental Economics
Background:
- The fetal origins hypothesis, pioneered by David J. Barker, links adult chronic diseases to prenatal conditions.
- Economists have broadened this hypothesis, examining diverse fetal influences on later-life outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for the fetal origins hypothesis, particularly as expanded by economic research.
- To assess the impact of fetal circumstances on adult health, education, and income.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological and economic literature.
- Analysis of observational studies investigating fetal shocks and long-term life outcomes.
Main Results:
- Economic research provides strong observational evidence supporting the fetal origins hypothesis.
- Significant impacts of fetal circumstances are observed across health, educational attainment, and income.
Conclusions:
- The fetal origins hypothesis is robust and has been significantly advanced by economic research.
- Prenatal conditions have profound and lasting effects on adult well-being and socioeconomic status.
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