The nutrients that fuel optimal early brain development.
Nutrition affects health throughout one’s life, but when it comes to brain development, researchers have repeatedly concluded that the first 1,000 days after conception are the most fragile and important.[1] Children require all essential nutrients for optimal development, but some nutrients play particularly crucial roles during specific time periods due to the dynamic growth trajectories that occur in different areas of the brain.
In this article, we discuss how dietary choices involving certain nutrients may have a lifelong impact on neurodevelopment. While we present evidence based on peer-reviewed research, we recommend seeking medical advice from a trusted pediatrician concerning your child’s specific dietary needs. And with SaladPower’s premium, all-organic ingredients, we hope you consider our convenient smoothies as part of your nutritional plan!
Macronutrients and Early Brain Development
Studies indicate that macronutrients—in particular, protein and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs)—play a pivotal role in early brain development. Research suggests that an inadequate protein supply may result “in smaller brains with reduced RNA and DNA contents, fewer neurons, simpler dendritic and synaptic head architecture, and reduced concentrations of neurotransmitters and growth factor.”[2]
Protein deficiency may also lead to intrauterine growth restriction, which can actually change the genetic makeup of the brain and have long-term effects on brain development.[3] Research suggests that the brain has a particularly high demand for protein from 4 to 12 months after birth.[4]
Like protein deficiency, lack of LC-PUFAs can also alter the genetic landscape of the brain.[5] Studies indicate that LC-PUFA deficiencies affect portions of the brain that control vision, neurotransmitter systems, and parts of the prefrontal cortex that modulate attention, inhibition, and impulsivity.[6] LC-PUFAs are particularly crucial 2 to 3 months after birth.[7]
Micronutrients and Early Brain Development
Micronutrients also have a profound effect on early brain development. A 2008 study suggests that the world IQ could be boosted by up to 10 points by curing widespread micronutrient deficiencies involving iron, zinc, and iodine.[8]
While nearly one billion people suffer from iron deficiency, this problem is especially acute for the developing mind, as iron provides enzymes and hemoproteins that are critical for regulating cellular processes.[9] During the fetal/neonatal period and the infant/toddler period (6 months to 3 years), iron deficiency can be especially detrimental.[10] Infants with iron deficiency have demonstrated decreased rates of neural transmission in auditory brain stem responses and visual cues.[11] In toddlers, iron deficiency has been linked with negative social behavior, like high irritability, due to changes in their neurochemistry.[12]
Zinc is also critical for early brain development. Researchers have linked the prevention of zinc deficiency in early childhood with a number of brain health benefits, as adequate zinc intake has serious implications for a child’s neurogenesis, myelination, and neurotransmitter regulation.[13] [14] Furthermore, diets with inadequate zinc levels have been associated with problems related to learning, mood, memory, and attention.[15] Studies indicate that zinc is in especially high demand from 6 months to 10 years of age.[16]
Iodine is another crucial nutrient for a child’s early brain development. Its primary function relating to brain development is to facilitate the creation of thyroid hormones.[17] Preclinical studies indicate that postnatal deficiencies in iodine have a grave impact on the nervous system and the speed of neuron transmission.[18] This may affect a person’s memory, attention span, and ability to learn.[19] From infancy through 12 years of age, the brain is likely in particular need of iodine for optimal brain development.[20]
We cannot stress enough that the studies discussed herein each have limitations and flaws. Given the ethical and practical difficulty in studying children at such early ages, many of the studies rely on data gathered from studying other organisms.
Another point of caution centers on the fact that the periods of a child’s life during which more of these nutrients would be beneficial could also be detrimental if given in high volume merely months later. While there is strong evidence supporting that certain nutrients play vital roles at specified points in a child’s early development, it is important to speak with a pediatrician to decide how to implement a sound dietary plan.
Parents play an active role in a child’s brain development, not only because they directly control a child’s diet, but also because they act as advocates and role models for a child’s long-term dietary patterns. We strongly believe that choosing to integrate SaladPower all-organic smoothies into your family’s nutrition plan sends a powerful message to developing children that you take your health seriously, and they should, too!
[1] Likhar, A., & Patil, M. S. (2022). Importance of Maternal Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days of Life and Its Effects on Child Development: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 14(10), e30083. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30083
[2] Cusick, S. E., & Georgieff, M. K. (2016). The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days". The Journal of pediatrics, 175, 16–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.013
[3] Ke, X., Lei, Q., James, S. J., Kelleher, S. L., Melnyk, S., Jernigan, S., Yu, X., Wang, L., Callaway, C. W., Gill, G., Chan, G. M., Albertine, K. H., McKnight, R. A., & Lane, R. H. (2006). Uteroplacental insufficiency affects epigenetic determinants of chromatin structure in brains of neonatal and juvenile IUGR rats. Physiological genomics, 25(1), 16–28. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00093.2005
[4] Wachs, T. D., Georgieff, M., Cusick, S., & McEwen, B. S. (2014). Issues in the timing of integrated early interventions: contributions from nutrition, neuroscience, and psychological research. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1308, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12314
[5] Tyagi, E., Zhuang, Y., Agrawal, R., Ying, Z., & Gomez-Pinilla, F. (2015). Interactive actions of Bdnf methylation and cell metabolism for building neural resilience under the influence of diet. Neurobiology of disease, 73, 307–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2014.09.014
[6] Neuringer, M., Connor, W. E., Lin, D. S., Barstad, L., & Luck, S. (1986). Biochemical and functional effects of prenatal and postnatal omega 3 fatty acid deficiency on retina and brain in rhesus monkeys. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 83(11), 4021–4025. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.83.11.4021
[7] Wachs, T. D., Georgieff, M., Cusick, S., & McEwen, B. S. (2014). Issues in the timing of integrated early interventions: contributions from nutrition, neuroscience, and psychological research. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1308, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12314
[8] Morris, S. S., Cogill, B., Uauy, R., & Maternal and Child Undernutrition Study Group (2008). Effective international action against undernutrition: why has it proven so difficult and what can be done to accelerate progress?. Lancet (London, England), 371(9612), 608–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61695-X
[9] Lozoff, B., Beard, J., Connor, J., Barbara, F., Georgieff, M., & Schallert, T. (2006). Long-lasting neural and behavioral effects of iron deficiency in infancy. Nutrition reviews, 64(5 Pt 2), S34–S91. https://doi.org/10.1301/nr.2006.may.s34-s43
[10] Wachs, T. D., Georgieff, M., Cusick, S., & McEwen, B. S. (2014). Issues in the timing of integrated early interventions: contributions from nutrition, neuroscience, and psychological research. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1308, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12314
[11] Algarín, C., Peirano, P., Garrido, M., Pizarro, F., & Lozoff, B. (2003). Iron deficiency anemia in infancy: long-lasting effects on auditory and visual system functioning. Pediatric research, 53(2), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.1203/01.PDR.0000047657.23156.55
[12] Lozoff, B., Clark, K. M., Jing, Y., Armony-Sivan, R., Angelilli, M. L., & Jacobson, S. W. (2008). Dose-response relationships between iron deficiency with or without anemia and infant social-emotional behavior. The Journal of pediatrics, 152(5), 696–702.702.33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2007.09.048
[13] Adamo, A. M., & Oteiza, P. I. (2010). Zinc deficiency and neurodevelopment: the case of neurons. BioFactors (Oxford, England), 36(2), 117–124. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.91
[14] Sandstead H. H. (1985). W.O. Atwater memorial lecture. Zinc: essentiality for brain development and function. Nutrition reviews, 43(5), 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.1985.tb06889.x
[15] Golub, M. S., Keen, C. L., Gershwin, M. E., & Hendrickx, A. G. (1995). Developmental zinc deficiency and behavior. The Journal of nutrition, 125(8 Suppl), 2263S–2271S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/125.suppl_8.2263S
[16] Wachs, T. D., Georgieff, M., Cusick, S., & McEwen, B. S. (2014). Issues in the timing of integrated early interventions: contributions from nutrition, neuroscience, and psychological research. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1308, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12314
[17] Cusick, S. E., & Georgieff, M. K. (2016). The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days". The Journal of pediatrics, 175, 16–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.013
[18] Navarro, D., Alvarado, M., Navarrete, F., Giner, M., Obregon, M. J., Manzanares, J., & Berbel, P. (2015). Gestational and early postnatal hypothyroidism alters VGluT1 and VGAT bouton distribution in the neocortex and hippocampus, and behavior in rats. Frontiers in neuroanatomy, 9, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnana.2015.00009
[19] Dong, J., Yin, H., Liu, W., Wang, P., Jiang, Y., & Chen, J. (2005). Congenital iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism impair LTP and decrease C-fos and C-jun expression in rat hippocampus. Neurotoxicology, 26(3), 417–426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2005.03.003
[20] Wachs, T. D., Georgieff, M., Cusick, S., & McEwen, B. S. (2014). Issues in the timing of integrated early interventions: contributions from nutrition, neuroscience, and psychological research. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1308, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12314