Undernutrition during fetal life is known to have programming effects upon tissue morphology and function. This generally promotes poor health in adult life, with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular mortality noted among individuals whose growth was constrained in utero. Undernutrition in early life impacts upon the development of the immune organs and appears to diminish cellular immunity and increase the risk of atopic disorders during childhood. A limited body of evidence implicates fetal programming in the development of autoimmune disorders. This area represents an interesting target for further research and preventive medicine.