Impact of Nutrition on Growth, Brain, and Cognition

Abstract

Brain development begins shortly after conception and continues throughout early childhood and into adolescence and early adulthood. During the first 1,000 days (conception to age 2), brain development is rapid, with nutrition playing an important role in the expression of the genetic code. Recent animal and human findings have illustrated that the timing, chronicity, and severity of nutritional deficiencies has differential effects on brain development and on subsequent cognitive and emotional processes. Evidence from intervention trials and longitudinal studies has shown the interactive nature of environmental influences on brain functioning and cognition over time, opening new opportunities for interventions to prevent or overcome potential adversities, including nutritional deficiencies. Strategies to enhance early brain development and promote children's cognitive functioning are based on integrated multisectoral interventions that prevent or alleviate nutritional deficiencies, while promoting developmental opportunities and responsive caregiving. Investing in early intervention based on evidence from brain development and ensuring nutritional adequacy throughout the first 1,000 days are effective means to ensure that children have the necessary health, cognition, creativity, and commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.