Nutrients and the brain

Source: Center for Integrative Clinical and Molecular medicine at the University of Queensland

A recent study conducted at the University of Queensland has demonstrated that children who receive poor nutrition at early age face significant consequences in regarding to their learning and behavior. The brain relies on micronutrients such as choline, iron, zinc, protein, fatty acids, copper, iodine, selenium, vitamin A and folate for its growth and development.

Pregnant women who are malnourished (imbalance of nutrients) or undernourished (overall lack of caloric intake) have a high risk of giving birth to children whose neural development has significantly affected. Indeed, some of the damage may be irreversible event with later nutritional supplementation regime. The study also noted the important role that exercise plays in brain development due to the chemical it releases in the body.