The first 1000 days of life are crucial for physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural development. Exposure to toxins, stress, or poor nutrition may impact negatively a child’s brain.
The brain thrives on food diversity and consequently needs different nutrients such as:
- Protein. Protein restriction may lead to smaller brains with reduced RNA and DNA, less neurons, immature dendritic and synaptic connections, reduced neurotransmitters and less growth factors.
- Omega 3 fatty acids: the impact of supplementation during gestation and throughout childhood, has shown improved cognition and focused attention. It can also decrease neurodevelopmental disorders, lower rates of allergies and improve respiratory health.
- Choline works alongside folate to support metabolic pathways and can act as a methyl donor, becoming integral for DNA repair, protein function and metabolism. It is critical for sending signals between neurons and it has been shown to improve memory.
- Iron: it is crucial for the anatomic development of the brain, neurotransmitters and myelination.
- Zinc: a deficiency of this mineral may lead to learning difficulties, mood disorders, poor attention and memory.
- Iodine: necessary for the thyroid functioning. Especially in the first trimester of pregnancy the production of thyroid hormones of the embryo is completely dependent on the mother’s supply.
- Other essential nutrients are: vitamin A, D, B6, B12 and folate.
This is why nutrition plays an important role in children’s brain development.