Nutrition and brain development in early life

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0273

Abstract

Abstract: The early life period is a rapid period, as well as a critical/sensitive period for brain development. Proteins, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), iron, zinc, iodine, folate, choline, vitamins A, D, B₆, and B₁₂, all play a role in key neural development processes and thus influence brain development. Different brain regions or circuits have specific critical periods during different stages of development that depend on specific nutrients. Any nutrient deficiency during this period, even if corrected with supplementation, may still affect the trajectory of brain development and result in long-term cognitive and behavioral impairment. This article elucidates the effects of major nutrient deficiencies during early life on brain development, the possible sensitive/critical timing, and the impacts on long-term cognitive and behavioral development, providing insights for the prevention and intervention of nutritional diseases and psychiatric developmental disorders, and the promotion of early childhood development.

Key words: nutrition, early life, brain development

摘要： 生命早期是大脑发育的快速时期,也是脑发育的关键期/敏感期。蛋白质、长链不饱和脂肪酸(LCPUFAs)、铁、锌、碘、叶酸、胆碱以及维生素A、D、B₆、B₁₂通过参与关键神经发育过程而影响大脑发育。不同大脑区域/回路在不同的发育阶段具有依赖特定营养素的关键/敏感期,发生于该时期的营养素缺乏,即使予以补充纠正,仍可能影响大脑发育轨迹而导致长期的认知功能和行为受损。本文通过阐述生命早期主要营养素缺乏对大脑发育的作用及可能的敏感/关键时间窗,及其与远期认知和行为发育的关系,为营养疾病的预防干预、精神发育障碍性疾病的防控、及促进儿童早期发展提供思路。

关键词: 营养, 生命早期, 脑发育

CLC Number:

R179

SHAO Jie, GAO Jiaying. Nutrition and brain development in early life[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care, 2024, 32(4): 368-371.

邵洁, 高嘉滢. 营养与生命早期脑发育[J]. 中国儿童保健杂志, 2024, 32(4): 368-371.

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