Nutrition and the developing brain: nutrient priorities and measurement
1Department of Pediatrics and Child Development, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA. georg001@umn.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 8, 2007
Summary
Essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc are crucial for fetal and early brain development. Deficiencies can impact specific brain areas and functions, requiring precise assessment methods.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Brain development relies on nutrients and growth factors during critical fetal and postnatal periods.
- The developing brain exhibits high plasticity but is vulnerable to nutrient imbalances.
- Specific nutrients significantly influence neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of key nutrients on brain development.
- To highlight the importance of timing, dose, and duration of nutrient exposure.
- To discuss methods for assessing nutrient deficiency effects on specific brain regions and functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nutrient roles in neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of nutrient-specific effects on brain structures (e.g., hippocampus, cortex).
- Examination of assessment techniques for detecting functional deficits.
Main Results:
- Protein-energy malnutrition causes global and specific deficits (hippocampus, cortex).
- Iron deficiency impacts myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and hippocampal metabolism.
- Zinc deficiency affects autonomic regulation and brain development (hippocampus, cerebellum).
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are vital for synaptogenesis and membrane function.
Conclusions:
- Nutrient deficiencies have profound, region-specific effects on brain development.
- Timing, dose, and duration are critical factors in nutrient's impact.
- Advanced neuroimaging and behavioral tests are needed for accurate assessment in infants.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
01:28Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
01:18Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...