Child Nutrition and Neurodevelopment

Nutrition plays an essential role in children's brain and cognitive development, especially in the first years of life, when the brain is forming its basic structure.

Inadequate nutrition during this period can have irreversible consequences for your child, affecting school performance, cognitive abilities and long-term mental health. In this article we will explore which are the most important nutrients for neurodevelopment in the first years of life and their importance in the different aspects of this development.

 

Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)

Surely you've heard about Omega-3 and Omega-6. These are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and are crucial for the development of your child's central nervous system and contribute to the myelination of nerve cells in the brain, which is a process of "isolation" of neurons in our brain.

The brain and nerves use cells called neurons to send messages back and forth, as if they were electrical wires. In order for these messages to be sent quickly and efficiently, neurons need a protective layer around them, called myelin. For this reason, these nutrients are indispensable for the effective transmission of information in the brain.^1,3,4

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for example, present in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, and in nuts, such as walnuts, almonds or cashews, is particularly important for the development of children's prefrontal cortex, which regulates functions such as attention, impulse control and memory. Studies suggest that an adequate intake of these types of fatty acids during pregnancy and childhood is associated with better cognitive outcomes. ^1,3,4

 

Minerals: Iron, Zinc and Iodine

Among the minerals essential for brain development, iron, zinc and iodine stand out. Iron is essential for the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, as well as for the myelination of nerve cells. Not only that, it is essential for energy production, oxygen transport and DNA synthesis. Its deficiency, common in many populations, can compromise psychomotor and cognitive development. ^1,3,6

Zinc participates in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and the regulation of nerve transmission.⁶ Neurogenesis is the formation of new brain cells, while synaptogenesis happens when these cells build bridges to "communicate" with each other. Nerve transmission regulation is the process of sending signals between these cells to tell the body what to do, when and how to move, think or even remember something. ¹

Studies show that deficiency of this mineral during pregnancy and early childhood is associated with developmental delays such as difficulty in learning, lack of attention, memory failures and mood swings.¹ This mineral can be found in the following food sources: meat or fish, legumes (such as beans and lentils), dairy products and whole grains.

Iodine, on the other hand, is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which influence the differentiation of brain cells and myelination. Severe iodine deficiency is associated with significant cognitive problems and changes in child development¹, especially in the intelligence quotient and reading skills.⁶ In order for a diet rich in iodine, you should offer your child fish, seafood, dairy products and eggs.

 

Protein

Protein is another vital component in infant nutrition, as it provides essential amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine. These amino acids are precursors to the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which regulate essential brain functions, including mood, attention, and learning.

Studies show that children who eat protein-balanced diets have better cognitive outcomes in the long term, highlighting the importance of adequate protein intake during childhood.^1.2 Some examples of protein sources that are very practical to integrate into your child's diet include: eggs, lean meats, fish, dairy products such as cheese.

 

Gut-Brain Axis

The Gut-Brain axis is an essential component in children's cognitive and emotional development. The gut microbiota, made up of billions of microorganisms, communicates with the brain through nerve and metabolic pathways, influencing the development of the nervous system.

Studies show that probiotics and prebiotics have the potential to improve cognitive and emotional development by regulating the microbiota and reducing inflammation.

Probiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that when consumed in adequate amounts help balance the gut microbiota and improve digestive health. These are found in fermented foods such as natural yogurt, kefir, tempeh and kombucha.

On the other hand, prebiotics, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, are soluble fibres that our body cannot digest and serve as food for these good bacteria in the intestine. By incorporating these foods into your child's diet, you will be strengthening their gut health, supporting their immune system and contributing to healthy neurodevelopment. ^1.5

 

Oh!My Snacks Position and Key Messages

In short, nutrition plays an essential and undeniable role in children's neurodevelopment, especially during the first years of life, when the brain is developing, growing, and "learning".

Ensuring adequate intake of nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals (iron, zinc, and iodine), proteins, and foods that promote a healthy microbiota is crucial to optimize your child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

In this context, within our portfolio we have several options for children, including nuts, either alone, in salty fusions or in nuts bars and also protein source options, namely protein balls and protein bars.

In summary, by prioritizing a balanced and varied diet, you are investing in your child's neurodevelopment, overall well-being, and future health. After all, the first years of life are a unique window of opportunity to build foundations for their development.

 

Bibliography

1. Cohen Kadosh K, Muhardi L, Parikh P, Basso M, Jan Mohamed HJ, Prawitasari T, Samuel F, Ma G, Geurts JM. Nutritional Support of Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Function in Infants and Young Children-An Update and Novel Insights. Nutrients. 2021 Jan 10;13(1):199. doi: 10.3390/nu13010199. PMID: 33435231; PMCID: PMC7828103.
2. Georgieff MK, Ramel SE, Cusick SE. Nutritional influences on brain development. Acta Paediatr. 2018 Aug;107(8):1310-1321. doi: 10.1111/apa.14287. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 29468731; PMCID: PMC6045434.
3. Cerdó T, Diéguez E, Campoy C. Infant growth, neurodevelopment and gut microbiota during infancy: which nutrients are crucial? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2019 Nov;22(6):434-441. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000606. PMID: 31567222.
4. Nevins JEH, Donovan SM, Snetselaar L, Dewey KG, Novotny R, Stang J, Taveras EM, Kleinman RE, Bailey RL, Raghavan R, Scinto-Madonich SR, Venkatramanan S, Butera G, Terry N, Altman J, Adler M, Obbagy JE, Stoody EE, de Jesus J. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Dietary Supplements Consumed During Pregnancy and Lactation and Child
5. Sharma R, Gupta D, Mehrotra R, Mago P. Psychobiotics: The Next-Generation Probiotics for the Brain. Curr Microbiol. 2021 Feb;78(2):449-463. doi: 10.1007/s00284-020-02289-5. Epub 2021 Jan 4. PMID: 33394083.
6. González HF, Visentin S. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016 Dec 1;114(6):570-575. English, Spanish. doi: 10.5546/aap.2016.eng.570. PMID: 27869417.

 

Author:

 Matilde De Carvalho (CP.5756N)