Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review

Nithya Franklyn; Dhanasekhar Kesavelu; Prameela Joji; Rahul Verma; Arun Wadhwa; Chandan Ray

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

| Peer-Reviewed

Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review

Nithya Franklyn, Dhanasekhar Kesavelu, Prameela Joji, Rahul Verma, Arun Wadhwa, Chandan Ray

Published in Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Volume 10, Issue 1)

Received: 15 December 2021 Accepted: 6 January 2022 Published: 21 January 2022

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Executive function skills are an essential aspect of cognition and are influenced in early life by multiple factors. One of the significant factors that influence brain development is nutrition, which plays a specific role in the brain’s developmental processes and functioning from fetal to adult age. Infants in their early life rely on breastmilk for nutrition. Knowledge of the composition of breast milk and the biochemical composition of the brain has led to the identification of critical nutrients needed for the brain’s growth, development, and functioning. Key nutrients for brain development are those that, when deficient during the precise, sensitive periods of early brain development, could have long-term adverse effects on brain functioning. This narrative review highlights the importance of some key nutrients in early brain development and executive functions, including cognitive performances in infants and toddlers. Lipids are crucial for brain development. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and sphingomyelin are the key ingredients to influence cognitive performance potentially. Early development of executive function precursors in infants and toddlers is an essential foundation for executive functions outcomes in early childhood or adulthood. Evidence suggests that specific nutrients such as phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and LC-PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for developing higher-level cognitive functions.

Published in	Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences (Volume 10, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
Page(s)	19-26
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Executive Function, Cognitive Skills, Brain Development, Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, LC-PUFA, Sphingomyelin, Docosahexaenoic Acid, DHA

References

[1]	Prado E. L., Dewey K. G. (2014). Nutrition and Brain Development in Early Life. Nutr. Rev, 72 (4), 267–284. doi: 10.1111/nure.12102.
[2]	Nyaradi A., Li, J., Hickling S., Foster J., Oddy, W. H. (2013). The Role of Nutrition in Children’s Neurocognitive Development, from Pregnancy through Childhood. Front. Hum. Neurosci., 7: 97. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00097.
[3]	Azevedo F. A. C., Carvalho L. R. B., Grinberg L. T., Farfel J. M., Ferretti R. E. L., Leite R. E. P., et. al. (2009). Equal Numbers of Neuronal and Nonneuronal Cells Make the Human Brain an Isometrically Scaled-up Primate Brain. J. Comp. Neurol., 513 (5), 532–541. doi: 10.1002/cne.21974.
[4]	von Bartheld C. S., Bahney J., Herculano-Houzel S. (2016) The Search for True Numbers of Neurons and Glial Cells in the Human Brain: A Review of 150 Years of Cell Counting: Quantifying Neurons and Glia in Human Brain. J. Comp. Neurol., 524 (18), 3865–3895. doi: 10.1002/cne.24040.
[5]	Ascoli G. A. (2015). On Synaptic Circuits, Memory, and Kumquats. N. Engl. J. Med., 373 (12), 1170–1172. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcibr1509692.
[6]	Wong A. D., Ye M., Levy A. F., Rothstein J. D., Bergles D. E., Searson P. C. (2013). The Blood-Brain Barrier: An Engineering Perspective. Front. Neuroengineering, 6: 7. doi: 10.3389/fneng.2013.00007.
[7]	Steiner P. (2019). Brain Fuel Utilization in the Developing Brain. Ann. Nutr. Metab., 75 (1), 8–18. doi: 10.1159/000508054.
[8]	Picton T. W., Taylor M. J. (2007). Electrophysiological Evaluation of Human Brain Development. Dev. Neuropsychol., 31 (3), 249–278. doi: 10.1080/87565640701228732.
[9]	Shafai T., Mustafa M., Compsos S., Niake L. (2018). The Influence of Breastfeeding and the Infant’s Social Environment on Neuroplasticity and Brain Development: The First 1000 Days. In Selected Topics in Breastfeeding, Mauricio Barría P., R., Ed., IntechOpen, 2018. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.73209.
[10]	Choe M., Ortiz-Mantilla S., Makris N., Gregas M., Bacic J., Haehn D., et. al. (2013). Regional Infant Brain Development: An MRI-Based Morphometric Analysis in 3 to 13 Month Olds. Cereb. Cortex, 23 (9), 2100–2117. doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhs197.
[11]	Gilmore J. H., Knickmeyer R. C., Gao W. (2018). Imaging Structural and Functional Brain Development in Early Childhood. Nat. Rev. Neurosci., 19 (3), 123–137. doi: 10.1038/nrn.2018.1.
[12]	Croteau-Chonka E. C., Dean D. C., Remer J., Dirks H., O’Muircheartaigh J., Deoni S. C. L. (2016). Examining the Relationships between Cortical Maturation and White Matter Myelination throughout Early Childhood. NeuroImage, 125, 413–421. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.10.038.
[13]	Cusick S. E., Georgieff M. K. (2016). The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the “First 1000 Days.” J. Pediatr., 175, 16–21. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.05.013.
[14]	Gilbert P. E., Kesner R. P., DeCoteau W. E. (1998). Memory for Spatial Location: Role of the Hippocampus in Mediating Spatial Pattern Separation. J. Neurosci., 18 (2), 804–810. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.18-02-00804.1998.
[15]	Uytun M. C. Development Period of Prefrontal Cortex \| IntechOpen https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/63179 (accessed 2021 -09 -30).
[16]	Munakata Y., Michaelso, L., Barker J., Chevalier N (2013). Executive Functioning During Infancy and Childhood: In: Tremblay RE, Boivin M, Peters RDeV, eds. Morton JB, topic ed. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development [online] \| https://www.child-encyclopedia.com/executive-functions/according-experts/executive-functioning-during-infancy-and-childhood (accessed 2021 -05 -30).
[17]	Blair C. (2017). Educating Executive Function. Wiley Interdiscip. Rev. Cogn. Sci., 8 (1–2), e1403. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1403.
[18]	Diamond A., Ling D. S. (2016). Conclusions about Interventions, Programs, and Approaches for Improving Executive Functions That Appear Justified and Those That, despite Much Hype, Do Not. Dev. Cogn. Neurosci., 18, 34–48. doi: 10.1016/j.dcn.2015.11.005.
[19]	N. R. C. 2015. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8: A Unifying Foundation, National Academies Press: Washington, D. C., 2015, p 19401. doi: 10.17226/19401.
[20]	Ackerman D. J., Friedman-Krauss A. H. (2017). Preschoolers’ Executive Function: Importance, Contributors, Research Needs and Assessment Options: Preschoolers’ Executive Function. ETS Res. Rep. Ser., 2017 (1), 1–24. doi: 10.1002/ets2.12148.
[21]	Cohen J. F. W., Gorski M. T., Gruber S. A., Kurdziel L. B. F., Rimm E. B. The Effect of Healthy Dietary Consumption on Executive Cognitive Functioning in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. 13.
[22]	Georgieff M. K. (2007). Nutrition and the Developing Brain: Nutrient Priorities and Measurement. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 85 (2), 614S-620S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/85.2.614S.
[23]	Jenkins T., Nguyen J., Polglaze K., Bertrand P. (2016). Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis. Nutrients, 8 (1), 56. doi: 10.3390/nu8010056.
[24]	Swaminathan S., Edward B. S., Kurpad A. V. (2013). Micronutrient Deficiency and Cognitive and Physical Performance in Indian Children. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr., 67 (5), 467–474. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.14.
[25]	Tanaka K., Hosozawa M., Kudo N., Yoshikawa N., Hisata K., Shoji H., et. al. (2013). The Pilot Study: Sphingomyelin-Fortified Milk Has a Positive Association with the Neurobehavioural Development of Very Low Birth Weight Infants during Infancy, Randomized Control Trial. Brain Dev., 35 (1), 45–52. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2012.03.004.
[26]	Liu J., Raine A., Venables P. H., Dalais C., Mednick S. A. (2003). Malnutrition at Age 3 Years and Lower Cognitive Ability at Age 11 Years: Independence From Psychosocial Adversity. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med., 157 (6), 593–600. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.157.6.593.
[27]	Kar B. R., Rao S. L., Chandramouli B. A. (2008). Cognitive Development in Children with Chronic Protein Energy Malnutrition. Behav. Brain Funct., 4 (1), 31. doi: 10.1186/1744-9081-4-31.
[28]	van der Wurff I. S. M., Meyer B. J., de Groot R. H. M. (2020). Effect of Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFA) Supplementation on Cognition in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review with a Focus on n-3 LCPUFA Blood Values and Dose of DHA and EPA. Nutrients, 12 (10), 3115. doi: 10.3390/nu12103115.
[29]	Hirayama S., Terasawa K., Rabeler R., Hirayama T., Inoue T., Tatsumi Y., et. al. (2014). The Effect of Phosphatidylserine Administration on Memory and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J. Hum. Nutr. Diet., 27 (s2), 284–291. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12090.
[30]	Pala E., Erguven M., Guven S., Erdogan M., Balta T. (2010). Psychomotor Development in Children with Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia. Food Nutr. Bull., 31 (3), 431–435. doi: 10.1177/156482651003100305.
[31]	Bhate V., Deshpande S., Bhat D., Joshi N., Ladkat R., Watve S., et. al. (2008). Vitamin B12 Status of Pregnant Indian Women and Cognitive Function in Their 9-Year-Old Children. Food Nutr. Bull., 29 (4), 249–254.
[32]	Strand T. A., Taneja S., Ueland P. M., Refsum H., Bahl R., Schneede J., et. al. (2013). Cobalamin and Folate Status Predicts Mental Development Scores in North Indian Children 12–18 Mo of Age. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 97 (2), 310–317. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.032268.
[33]	Akman M., Cebeci D., Okur V., Angin H., Abali O., Akman A. (2007). The Effects of Iron Deficiency on Infants’ Developmental Test Performance. Acta Paediatr., 93 (10), 1391–1396. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2004.tb02941.x.
[34]	Colombo J., Carlson S. E., Cheatham C. L., Shaddy D. J., Kerling E. H., Thodosoff J. M., et. al. (2013). Long-Term Effects of LCPUFA Supplementation on Childhood Cognitive Outcomes. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 98 (2), 403–412. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.040766.
[35]	Dalton A., Wolmarans P., Witthuhn R. C., van Stuijvenberg M. E., Swanevelder S. A., Smuts C. M. (2009). A Randomised Control Trial in Schoolchildren Showed Improvement in Cognitive Function after Consuming a Bread Spread, Containing Fish Flour from a Marine Source. Prostaglandins Leukot. Essent. Fatty Acids, 80 (2–3), 143–149. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2008.12.006.
[36]	Idjradinata P., Pollitt E. (1993). Reversal of Developmental Delays in Iron-Deficient Anaemic Infants Treated with Iron. Lancet Lond. Engl., 341 (8836), 1–4. doi: 10.1016/0140-6736(93)92477-b.
[37]	Kim J. Y., Kang S. W. (2017). Relationships between Dietary Intake and Cognitive Function in Healthy Korean Children and Adolescents. J. Lifestyle Med., 7 (1), 10–17. doi: 10.15280/jlm.2017.7.1.10.
[38]	Osendarp S. J. M., Baghurst K. I., Bryan J., Calvaresi E., Hughes D., Hussaini M., et. al. (2007). Effect of a 12-Mo Micronutrient Intervention on Learning and Memory in Well-Nourished and Marginally Nourished School-Aged Children: 2 Parallel, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies in Australia and Indonesia. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2007, 86 (4), 1082–1093. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/86.4.1082.
[39]	Willatts, P., Forsyth S., Agostoni C., Casaer P., Riva E., Boehm G. (2013). Effects of Long-Chain PUFA Supplementation in Infant Formula on Cognitive Function in Later Childhood. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 98 (2), 536S-542S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.038612.
[40]	Chang C. Y., Ke D. S., Chen J. Y. (2009). Essential Fatty Acids and Human Brain. Acta Neurol. Taiwanica, 18 (4), 231–241.
[41]	Joffre C. (2019). Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Brain and Brain Cells. In Feed Your Mind - How Does Nutrition Modulate Brain Function throughout Life?, Bosch-Bouju, C., Layé, S., Pallet, V., Eds., IntechOpen, 2019. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.88232.
[42]	Li J., Wang X., Zhang T., Wang C., Huang Z., Luo X., et. al. (2015). A Review on Phospholipids and Their Main Applications in Drug Delivery Systems. Asian J. Pharm. Sci., 10 (2), 81–98. doi: 10.1016/j.ajps.2014.09.004.
[43]	Hussain G., Wang J., Rasul A., Anwar H., Imran A., Qasim M., et. al. (2018). Role of Cholesterol and Sphingolipids in Brain Development and Neurological Diseases. Lipids Health Dis., 18 (1), 26. doi: 10.1186/s12944-019-0965-z.
[44]	Schneider N., Hauser J., Oliveira M., Cazaubon E., Mottaz S. C., O’Neill B. V., et. al. (2019). Sphingomyelin in Brain and Cognitive Development: Preliminary Data. eneuro, 6 (4), ENEURO.0421-18.2019. doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0421-18.2019.
[45]	Ramiro-Cortijo D., Singh P., Liu Y., Medina-Morales E., Yakah, W., Freedman S. D., et. al. (2020). Breast Milk Lipids and Fatty Acids in Regulating Neonatal Intestinal Development and Protecting against Intestinal Injury. Nutrients, 12 (2), 534. doi: 10.3390/nu12020534.
[46]	Dei Cas M., Paroni R., Signorelli P., Mirarchi A., Cerquiglini L., Troiani S., et. al. (2020). Human Breast Milk as Source of Sphingolipids for Newborns: Comparison with Infant Formulas and Commercial Cow’s Milk. J. Transl. Med., 18 (1), 481. doi: 10.1186/s12967-020-02641-0.
[47]	Garg P., Pejaver R. K., Sukhija M., Ahuja A. (2017). Role of DHA, ARA, & Phospholipids in Brain Development: An Indian Perspective. Clin. Epidemiol. Glob. Health, 5 (4), 155–162. doi: 10.1016/j.cegh.2017.09.003.
[48]	Weiser M., Butt C., Mohajeri M. (2016). Docosahexaenoic Acid and Cognition throughout the Lifespan. Nutrients, 8 (2), 99. doi: 10.3390/nu8020099.
[49]	Kuratko C., Barrett E., Nelson E., Salem N. (2013). The Relationship of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) with Learning and Behavior in Healthy Children: A Review. Nutrients, 5 (7), 2777–2810. doi: 10.3390/nu5072777.
[50]	Dawson G. (2015). Measuring Brain Lipids. Biochim. Biophys. Acta BBA - Mol. Cell Biol. Lipids, 1851 (8), 1026–1039. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.02.007.
[51]	Timby N., Domellöf E., Hernell O., Lönnerdal B., Domellöf M. (2014). Neurodevelopment, Nutrition, and Growth until 12 Mo of Age in Infants Fed a Low-Energy, Low-Protein Formula Supplemented with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membranes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am. J. Clin. Nutr., 99 (4), 860–868. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.064295.
[52]	Deoni S. C. L., Dean D. C., Remer J., Dirk, H., O’Muircheartaigh J. (2015). Cortical Maturation and Myelination in Healthy Toddlers and Young Children. NeuroImage, 115, 147–161. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.04.058.
[53]	Deoni S., Dean D., Joelson S., O’Regan J., Schneider N. (2018). Early Nutrition Influences Developmental Myelination and Cognition in Infants and Young Children. NeuroImage, 178, 649–659. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.12.056.
[54]	Schwarzenberg S. J., Georgieff M. K., (2018). COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION. Advocacy for Improving Nutrition in the First 1000 Days to Support Childhood Development and Adult Health. Pediatrics, 141 (2), e20173716. doi: 10.1542/peds.2017-3716.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Nithya Franklyn, Dhanasekhar Kesavelu, Prameela Joji, Rahul Verma, Arun Wadhwa, et al. (2022). Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 10(1), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Nithya Franklyn; Dhanasekhar Kesavelu; Prameela Joji; Rahul Verma; Arun Wadhwa, et al. Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 2022, 10(1), 19-26. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Nithya Franklyn, Dhanasekhar Kesavelu, Prameela Joji, Rahul Verma, Arun Wadhwa, et al. Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review. J Food Nutr Sci. 2022;10(1):19-26. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14,
  author = {Nithya Franklyn and Dhanasekhar Kesavelu and Prameela Joji and Rahul Verma and Arun Wadhwa and Chandan Ray},
  title = {Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review},
  journal = {Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences},
  volume = {10},
  number = {1},
  pages = {19-26},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jfns.20221001.14},
  abstract = {Executive function skills are an essential aspect of cognition and are influenced in early life by multiple factors. One of the significant factors that influence brain development is nutrition, which plays a specific role in the brain’s developmental processes and functioning from fetal to adult age. Infants in their early life rely on breastmilk for nutrition. Knowledge of the composition of breast milk and the biochemical composition of the brain has led to the identification of critical nutrients needed for the brain’s growth, development, and functioning. Key nutrients for brain development are those that, when deficient during the precise, sensitive periods of early brain development, could have long-term adverse effects on brain functioning. This narrative review highlights the importance of some key nutrients in early brain development and executive functions, including cognitive performances in infants and toddlers. Lipids are crucial for brain development. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and sphingomyelin are the key ingredients to influence cognitive performance potentially. Early development of executive function precursors in infants and toddlers is an essential foundation for executive functions outcomes in early childhood or adulthood. Evidence suggests that specific nutrients such as phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and LC-PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for developing higher-level cognitive functions.},
 year = {2022}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review
AU  - Nithya Franklyn
AU  - Dhanasekhar Kesavelu
AU  - Prameela Joji
AU  - Rahul Verma
AU  - Arun Wadhwa
AU  - Chandan Ray
Y1  - 2022/01/21
PY  - 2022
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
T2  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JF  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JO  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
SP  - 19
EP  - 26
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7293
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
AB  - Executive function skills are an essential aspect of cognition and are influenced in early life by multiple factors. One of the significant factors that influence brain development is nutrition, which plays a specific role in the brain’s developmental processes and functioning from fetal to adult age. Infants in their early life rely on breastmilk for nutrition. Knowledge of the composition of breast milk and the biochemical composition of the brain has led to the identification of critical nutrients needed for the brain’s growth, development, and functioning. Key nutrients for brain development are those that, when deficient during the precise, sensitive periods of early brain development, could have long-term adverse effects on brain functioning. This narrative review highlights the importance of some key nutrients in early brain development and executive functions, including cognitive performances in infants and toddlers. Lipids are crucial for brain development. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and sphingomyelin are the key ingredients to influence cognitive performance potentially. Early development of executive function precursors in infants and toddlers is an essential foundation for executive functions outcomes in early childhood or adulthood. Evidence suggests that specific nutrients such as phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and LC-PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for developing higher-level cognitive functions.
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Nithya Franklyn

Department of Pediatrics, Vihaa Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai, India
Dhanasekhar Kesavelu

Department of Pediatrics, Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai, India
Prameela Joji

Pediatrics ICU and Medical Support, KIMS Health, Trivandrum, India
Rahul Verma

Department of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, India
Arun Wadhwa

Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Arun Wadhwa Clinic, New Delhi, India
Chandan Ray

Department of Pediatrics, Bhagirathi Neotia Women and Child Care Centre, Kolkata, India

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Nithya Franklyn, Dhanasekhar Kesavelu, Prameela Joji, Rahul Verma, Arun Wadhwa, et al. (2022). Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 10(1), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Nithya Franklyn; Dhanasekhar Kesavelu; Prameela Joji; Rahul Verma; Arun Wadhwa, et al. Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 2022, 10(1), 19-26. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Nithya Franklyn, Dhanasekhar Kesavelu, Prameela Joji, Rahul Verma, Arun Wadhwa, et al. Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review. J Food Nutr Sci. 2022;10(1):19-26. doi: 10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14,
  author = {Nithya Franklyn and Dhanasekhar Kesavelu and Prameela Joji and Rahul Verma and Arun Wadhwa and Chandan Ray},
  title = {Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review},
  journal = {Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences},
  volume = {10},
  number = {1},
  pages = {19-26},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jfns.20221001.14},
  abstract = {Executive function skills are an essential aspect of cognition and are influenced in early life by multiple factors. One of the significant factors that influence brain development is nutrition, which plays a specific role in the brain’s developmental processes and functioning from fetal to adult age. Infants in their early life rely on breastmilk for nutrition. Knowledge of the composition of breast milk and the biochemical composition of the brain has led to the identification of critical nutrients needed for the brain’s growth, development, and functioning. Key nutrients for brain development are those that, when deficient during the precise, sensitive periods of early brain development, could have long-term adverse effects on brain functioning. This narrative review highlights the importance of some key nutrients in early brain development and executive functions, including cognitive performances in infants and toddlers. Lipids are crucial for brain development. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and sphingomyelin are the key ingredients to influence cognitive performance potentially. Early development of executive function precursors in infants and toddlers is an essential foundation for executive functions outcomes in early childhood or adulthood. Evidence suggests that specific nutrients such as phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and LC-PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for developing higher-level cognitive functions.},
 year = {2022}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Impact of Key Nutrients on Brain and Executive Function Development in Infants and Toddlers: A Narrative Review
AU  - Nithya Franklyn
AU  - Dhanasekhar Kesavelu
AU  - Prameela Joji
AU  - Rahul Verma
AU  - Arun Wadhwa
AU  - Chandan Ray
Y1  - 2022/01/21
PY  - 2022
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
T2  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JF  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
JO  - Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences
SP  - 19
EP  - 26
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7293
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20221001.14
AB  - Executive function skills are an essential aspect of cognition and are influenced in early life by multiple factors. One of the significant factors that influence brain development is nutrition, which plays a specific role in the brain’s developmental processes and functioning from fetal to adult age. Infants in their early life rely on breastmilk for nutrition. Knowledge of the composition of breast milk and the biochemical composition of the brain has led to the identification of critical nutrients needed for the brain’s growth, development, and functioning. Key nutrients for brain development are those that, when deficient during the precise, sensitive periods of early brain development, could have long-term adverse effects on brain functioning. This narrative review highlights the importance of some key nutrients in early brain development and executive functions, including cognitive performances in infants and toddlers. Lipids are crucial for brain development. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) and sphingomyelin are the key ingredients to influence cognitive performance potentially. Early development of executive function precursors in infants and toddlers is an essential foundation for executive functions outcomes in early childhood or adulthood. Evidence suggests that specific nutrients such as phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and LC-PUFAs (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for developing higher-level cognitive functions.
VL  - 10
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download