Carotenoids improve the development of cerebral cortical networks in formula-fed infant macaques

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Early life nutrition is critical for optimal brain development.
• Carotenoids, like lutein and beta-carotene, are important nutrients found in breast milk.
• Infant formulas vary in carotenoid content, potentially affecting neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying carotenoid content in infant formula on brain maturation.
• To characterize differences in functional brain connectivity from birth to six months of age in infant macaques.
• To compare the effects of formula with and without carotenoid supplementation to a breastfed group.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assess functional brain connectivity.
• Studied infant macaques from birth to six months of age.
• Analyzed diet-specific differences in brain network connectivity at 2, 4, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Observed significant diet-by-age interactions affecting functional brain connectivity.
• Diet-specific differences were noted in somatomotor, insular-opercular, dorsal attention, visual, and auditory networks.
• Infants fed formula without carotenoids showed greater connectivity divergence from the breastfed group.

Conclusions:

• Carotenoid supplementation in infant formula influences functional brain development.
• Dietary carotenoids appear crucial for supporting brain maturation and connectivity patterns similar to breastfed infants.
• These findings highlight the importance of carotenoids in infant nutrition for cognitive outcomes.