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Child nutrition and brain development - nutrition children
Maternal nutrition is key to the brain development of the fetus during pregnancy, since a balanced diet, rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, favors proper growth, both cognitively and emotionally. Although all nutrients are essential for proper brain function, some, such as proteins, certain fatty acids, and micronutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, folic acid, choline, and vitamin A, play a particularly relevant role in brain development during the fetal and neonatal stages.
Insufficient energy and protein intake during pregnancy can cause various problems, including a decrease in the number of neurons and neuronal circuits, deterioration of the arborization of dendrites, and problems in the production of myelin, which is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses. These factors reduce the size of the brain and cause alterations in neurotransmitters, affecting critical areas such as the hippocampus, cerebellum and neocortex. The result can be a child with problems in learning, memory, attention and low IQ.
Two polyunsaturated fatty acids, DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] and EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid], are vital for brain development. DHA forms part of the structure of the brain and nervous system, while EPA is noted for its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia. It is recommended that pregnant women consume at least two servings per week of fatty fish such as salmon and sardines to ensure an adequate intake of these fatty acids.
Iron: Essential for the development of neurotransmitters and myelin, so iron deficiency during pregnancy can affect the child's cognitive abilities, memory and emotional well-being.
Iodine: Essential for the production of thyroid hormones, its deficiency can cause delays in brain development, even leading to cretinism, an irreversible condition of profound mental retardation.
Zinc: Involved in cell division and the development of the nervous system, its deficiency can generate structural and functional alterations in the brain, affecting the child's cognitive development.
Folic acid: Crucial for cell division and the development of the nervous system, its deficiency can cause defects in the neural tube, affecting the formation of the spinal cord and brain.
Choline: Involved in the production of neurotransmitters and DNA development. Its deficiency may affect the development of the hippocampus and other areas of the brain related to memory and learning.
Vitamin A: Important for nerve cell differentiation and synaptic plasticity, contributes to cognitive development in the fetus.
Vitamin B?: Essential for the formation of neurotransmitters that facilitate communication between neurons and other cells in the body.
