Running head: NUTRITION & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Nutrition & Brain Development

[PSYCHOLOGY 300 REVIEW PAPER]
DENIELLE SAITTA

NUTRITION & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Nutrition & Brain Development

Adequate nutrition for pregnant mothers and babies is essential for normal brain growth
and development. Pregnancy and infancy are significant periods for the development of the
brain, setting the foundation for the development of cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional skills.
Inadequate can influence brain development by directly altering brain processes or indirectly by
affecting childrens behaviors and experiences. When a child is sufficiently nourished during
gestation and infancy, essential energy, protein, fatty acids, and micronutrients needed for brain
development are obtainable during this period, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of brain
performance. Overtime there have been numerous studies and programs implemented to help
prevent or improve these health conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the association
between nutrition and brain development in children during the first 2 years of life.
During a childs first years it is a time of rapid and crucial brain development,
fundamental acquisition of cognitive development, memory, and attention. There have been
fewer published studies that examine the role of nutrition in brain and mental development
(Rosales, Reznick, & Zeisel, 2009). Seeing as how this is such a crucial time of growth during a
childs life there is a need for further study on the topic. Other studies have examined various
nutrients at different levels in rats and other lab animals. Rats are often used because they are
small and easy to maintain, reproduce quickly, and are cheap. Another reason rodents are used in
testing is because their genetic, biological and behavior characteristics closely resemble those of
humans (De Souza, Fernandes, & Tavares do Carmo, 2011). Previous studies performed on
brain development and nutritional status are only done for a short period of time and do not
account for time spent during pregnancy and after.

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This study will measure the association between nutrition and brain growth in children
during the first years of their life. Following a correlational study design, this study will follow
mothers during their pregnancy and children for 2 years. To be eligible for the study, expecting
mothers must be between the ages of 25-35. Women must be within the first 3 months of their
pregnancy and have no other medical conditions. They will also need to verify with their doctor
that it is safe for them to participate in the study. Children must be younger than 2 years of age
prior to entering the study and have no history of a medical condition. Recruitment will be on a
volunteer base and will take place in many forms, including letters, posters, and internet ads
being a few examples. If eligible, participants will be enrolled into study. There will be no pay,
however compensation will be made to participants.
Since we are interested in looking at the nutritional status the study will be based on the
dietary intake of those enrolled in the study. This will be done by having participants complete a
72-hour food recall every 3 months during the study. A food recall, also known as food diary, is a
detailed record of what the participant has eaten or drunk over a period of time. Any medications
or supplements should also be noted. Being precise is important when filling out the diary to
allow for an accurate assessment to be made. Those enrolled in the study, will have to write
down the amount of food and fluid intake they had over a 3 day period. A recall will need to be
completed 1 time every 3 months and then sent back to those in charge of the study. The food
diary should describe 2 days during the week and 1 day during the weekend. Once a diary has
been returned and assessed, a follow up call will be made to the participant. If a child is enrolled
in the study, a parent or guardian will need to be in charge of documenting the childs intake
while also letting them assist if possible. Those who are pregnant, may fill out the recalls
themselves. If a woman gives birth during the trial, they will no longer need to fill out a food

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diary for themselves, but continue one for the newborn. The food recall can be documented
anyway the participant elects, either with paper, on a phone, or computer as long as it is able to
be sent back to be assessed.
Different tests will be completed and performed to assess how the brain is developing in
both children and women who are pregnant. For the children in the study, they will participate in
an intelligence test. The test used for children will be the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.
The Bayley Scales measures motor development, cognitive development, and language
development of infants up to 3 years in age. A parent or guardian also completes a questionnaire
that reports on the childs social and emotional manners (Rosales, Reznick, & Zeisel, 2009). A
series of developmental play tasks are performed and takes around an hour to be administered.
Scores are then compiled and compared with norms taken from typically developing children of
their age. For young children, intelligence tests are based on highly probable age-related changes
in specific relevant behaviors. The test will be administered every 6 months, at various locations.
For those who are pregnant, a different test will be conducted to assess the babys brain growth
and development. An anomaly scan is what will be used to examine the growth of the baby
during the mothers pregnancy. An anomaly scan takes a close look at a baby while in the
mothers uterus. The main purpose of the scan is to check that the baby is developing normally.
The scan examines all the babys organs, records measurements, and evaluate stress levels for
both the mother and child. (Rosales, Reznick, & Zeisel, 2009). The scan will be performed 2
times throughout the womans pregnancy. Participants will be notified when and where the tests
will be conducted and can choose a time and location that works best for them. Participants will
need to schedule the test from the list given. If unable to attend, then participates will need to
contact the study leaders for a new date.

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When food recalls are turned in they will be assessed and analyzed. Documentation will
be made about each participants calorie intake, micronutrient levels, and protein amounts.
Special notes will be made if the participant takes a supplement. After the intelligence tests and
anomaly scans are completed these tests will be analyzed and noted. Women and children will
both be separated and assessed differently. A comparison between the food recalls and both the
test and scan will be made on the nutritional status as well as brain development. This will be
continued and repeated throughout the course of the 2 year study.
From this study, the predictions that with increased consumption of foods high in iron,
right micronutrients, and essential fatty acids the brain will develop to help children reach
cognitive, social, and linguistic achievements.
There are many strengths that make this a more desirable study than previous ones. One
advantage to this study is the length of time it runs. This covers the many of the different critical
stages and years of a childs life which will help to give a better understand of development.
Another advantage, is that it is done on humans instead of rats. Though rats and humans do share
many similar qualities, having the study performed on humans helps to give a better prediction
on the effects. Another strength of the study, is that there are few studies performed that are
similar to this design. Can help serve as a benchmark and key information in future
recommendations and other studies. Since there are many different assessment marks through the
study, participants nutrition may increase due to the assessment reviews and performances. The
72-hour food recall is another advantage of the study design because it is over a longer period of
time and can help create a more accurate nutrition assessment of the participant. Another factor
that makes this study strong is the age studied. Focus of the study will be on this age range
because this is a time of rapid and dramatic changes in the brain and it is a time for acquisition of

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fundamental cognitive and social skills for children. This is also the best optimum time for a
woman to become pregnant.
The study does have several limitations however. Due to food recall covering only 3 days
out of a 3 month period, the entries may not represent a typical day for a participant. This would
not help produce an accurate reading and assessment for the participant and would not give
correct findings in the study. Also, a participant may not be honest in reporting what they ate
along with how much they ate during the day. Warranting the same assessment problems for the
study results. Another factor, may be a high dropout rate because of the length of the study. A 2
year commitment may not be a possibility for some participants and could cause several to drop
out during the period. The data collected from those that do drop out however will still be used
but will not have as strong of a correlation.
Ample nutrition during pregnancy as well as first two years of a childs life is necessary
for normal brain development, the foundation for cognitive and social ability, school
accomplishment, and efficiency later in life. Nutrients are required for many biological
processes. For example, they are needed for the creation of new neurons, growth of axons and
dendrites, and the formation of synapses (Lozoff, 2011). Nutrients are also important for brain
function throughout childhood such as maintenance of brain tissue and neurotransmitter
synthesis (Murray-Kolb, 2013). Malnutrition can also affect a childs physical growth, motor
development, and immune system. These children also tend to be less physical activity which
could also lead to poor brain development. Micronutrient deficiency is a critical concern for
mothers and children throughout the world. Breastmilk contains nutrients, growth factors, and
hormones that are important for brain infant development, including critical building blocks such
as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and choline (Isaacs et al., 2010). Also, the physical act of

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breastfeeding helps enhance cognitive and socioemotional development in babies. Certain

nutrients have greater effects on brain development than do others. These include protein, energy,
certain fats, iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, vitamin A, choline, and folate. Iron is an
essential structural component of the hemoglobin molecule, which transports oxygen from the
lungs to the rest of the body (Georgieff, 2007). Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid
hormone, essential for the development of the central nervous system (Melse-Boonstra &
Jaiswal, 2010). Zinc is needed for many biological processes that affect the brain, like DNA and
RNA synthesis and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat (Stein, 2014). Preventing
these conditions of poor health, malnutrition, and nutrient intake are crucial in proper brain
development of children.
This study examines the nutritional status of children during the first 2 years of their life
as well as women who are pregnant in order to assess brain development. Through a 72-hour
dietary recall the nutritional status of participants is achieved and analyzed. Along with
intelligence testing on children and body scans on mothers to assess the development of the
brain. These different pieces are then compared and used to help show the implications of
nutrition and brain development. It is crucial that children are given the correct amount of
nutrients to help them mature to achieve social, physical, and cognitive growth and development.
A well balanced diet helps your childs brain to make connections and properly developed.

NUTRITION & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

References
(de Souza, Fernandes, & Tavares do Carmo, 2011; Georgieff, 2007; Isaacs et al.,
2010; Lozoff, 2011; Melse-Boonstra & Jaiswal, 2010; Murray-Kolb, 2013; Rosales,
Reznick, & Zeisel, 2009; Stein, 2014)

de Souza, A. S., Fernandes, F. S., & Tavares do Carmo, M. d. G. (2011). Effects of

maternal malnutrition and postnatal nutritional rehabilitation on brain fatty
acids, learning, and memory. Nutr Rev, 69(3), 132-144. doi: 10.1111/j.17534887.2011.00374.x
Georgieff, M. K. (2007). Nutrition and the developing brain: nutrient priorities and
measurement. Am J Clin Nutr, 85(2), 614S-620S.
Isaacs, E. B., Fischl, B. R., Quinn, B. T., Chong, W. K., Gadian, D. G., & Lucas, A.
(2010). Impact of Breast Milk on Intelligence Quotient, Brain Size, and White
Matter Development. Pediatr Res, 67(4), 354-362.
Lozoff, B. (2011). Early Iron Deficiency Has Brain and Behavior Effects Consistent
with Dopaminergic Dysfunction. J Nutr, 141(4), 740S-746S. doi:
10.3945/jn.110.131169
Melse-Boonstra, A., & Jaiswal, N. (2010). Iodine deficiency in pregnancy, infancy and
childhood and its consequences for brain development. Best Pract Res Clin
Endocrinol Metab, 24(1), 29-38. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2009.09.002
Murray-Kolb, L. E. (2013). Iron and brain functions. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care,
16(6), 703-707. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e3283653ef8
Rosales, F. J., Reznick, J. S., & Zeisel, S. H. (2009). Understanding the role of nutrition
in the brain and behavioral development of toddlers and preschool children:
identifying and addressing methodological barriers. Nutr Neurosci, 12(5), 190202. doi: 10.1179/147683009X423454
Stein, A. D. (2014). Nutrition in early life and cognitive functioning. Am J Clin Nutr,
99(1), 1-2. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.076828