Maternal prenatal nutrition and the child’s nutrition in the first 2 years of life (1000 days) are crucial factors in a child’s neurodevelopment and lifelong mental health.
Calories are vital in development of the fetus and child but are not adequate in proper brain development.
The nutrients that are very essential to neurodevelopment are protein; zinc; iron; choline; folate; iodine; vitamin A, D, B6, and B12; and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Referral to: Pediatricians are expected to refer to available support of nutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and toddlers. In conclusion, any professional handling children can promote healthy diets on the mother, children during infancy and children under the first 1000 days.
First 1000 days is from the day of conception to 2 years of the child. The mother’s diet is very critical through the pregnancy period and nutrition is critical for the mother and the child. The Child’s brain development starts as early as 18th day after conception and primary structures are created during this period.The initial 1000 days of the life of a child, his/her birth up to the age of two, is regarded as the most crucial part of the growth and development. The brain grows very quickly during this stage as it builds the framework through which one learns, behaves and stays healthy later in life. Both mother in late terms of pregnancy and child after birth should be on proper nutrition to facilitate their good growth both mentally and physically. Breastfeeding, and early initiation of complementary foods help in development of immunity and satisfactory growth. Emotional and social stimulation is equally vital; when parents offer love, care and responds to the child, he/she develops a feeling of a secure and attached relationship. Talking, reading, singing, and playing with the baby helps strengthen your bond with the baby and at the same time will help develop brain and communication skills. Health care such as: routine examination, immunization and immunity to infections is also vital at this stage. Overall, the first 1000 days can be thought of as a window of opportunity when good nutrition, health and nurturing care can be built, whereas neglect during this period can permanently affect the future.
These structures and processes include the
- Sensory systems (especially auditory and visual),
- Hippocampus (declarative learning and memory),
- Myelination (speed of processing), and
The endogenous monoamine neurotransmitters (affect reward).
Post-partum, the next transitional period centers on breastfeeding, which gives your baby crucial nutrients, antibodies, and emotional attachment, which no other form of substitute could ever come close to. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life, combined with timely complementary food and further continuation of breastfeeding, allows the child to grow up happy and healthy.
Stimulation and nurturing care is also very vital during this period. The brain of a baby grows so fast during these early years, and caregiver interaction will be necessary in order to develop cognitive and emotional abilities. Basic interactions like holding, talking, singing, maintaining eye contact and responding to the crying of the baby generate trust and emotional security. Play is a useful tool as the child develops because it helps the child learn. Parents can support the development of motor abilities, crawling, walking, playing in the open air and language, reading with the help of picture books, stories, conversations. These activities encourage brain connections so that the child becomes inquisitive, creative, and self-confident in the society.
Health and medical care also are a key in the first 1000 days. Normal care of the child involving health check-ups, vaccinations and immunization against infections among others contributes to the survival and healthy growth of the child. Parents are also obliged to ensure the child healthy environment without any dangerous chemicals, parents neglect, or stress since early access to toxic stress may have adverse effects on the development process of the brain and emotional stability.
The first 1000 days is not only the time of survival but the time when a person forms the future. By feeding the children on appropriate nutrition, taking care of them through healthcare and loving care during this time, they are likely to do well in school, better in future social relationships and better adults. Conversely, the lack of care and neglect at this step can result in impaired growth, learning disability and health during later years.
prefrontal cortex (focusing, thwarting, navigating disparate tasks, plot)
Brain circuits concerned with social development
The neurodevelopment outcomes of children offered nutrients early in their life who were at risk of macronutrient deficiency were better over an extended time in their life than the children who did not receive nutrients.
reference: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/141/2/e20173716
