| Journal of Food Bioactives, ISSN 2637-8752 print, 2637-8779 online |
| Journal website www.isnff-jfb.com |
Perspective
Volume 13, March 2021, pages 1-8
Food neuropsychology and child brain development
Tables
| Nutrient | Main role in developmental brain physiology | Main effects of deficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Cell proliferation and differentiation, dendritic arborization, synaptogenesis | Mild neurodevelopmental abnormalities (e.g. impaired visual recognition memory) |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Myelination, synaptogenesis | Cognitive deficits (e.g. attention, information processing); child mental disorders? |
| Folate | Neural tube development | Spina bifida, encephalocele |
| Iodine | Cerebral cortex cytoarchitecture | Cognitive impairment |
| Iron | Energy metabolism, myelination and neurotransmitter production | Abnormal neurological reflexes and impaired auditory recognition memory at birth; poorer neurodevelopment at school age |
| Zinc | Neurogenesis, neuronal migration, myelination and synaptogenesis | Cognitive deficits (e.g. attention, learning, memory) |
| Further identification of foods critically important for normal brain development |
| Effects of time, extent and duration of nutrient deficiencies on early brain development |
| Long-term effects of early nutritional deficiency on behavior, cognition and mental health across the entire lifespan |
| Role of single nutrients versus dietary patterns and whole diets |
| Obesity and mental health problems in later life |
| Correlational or causal association of gut microbiota with cognition or mental disorders |
| Identification of distinct microbiota patterns related to different child mental disorders |
| Interaction of food-related factors with psychosocial and environmental factors |
| Food neuropsychology and public health policies |