Tomás Cerdó1,2,3,4, Estefanía Diéguez1,2, Cristina Campoy1,2,3,4,5,6. 1. Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine. 2. EURISTIKOS Excellence Centre for Paediatric Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada. 3. BioHealth Research Institute (Ibs), Granada, Health Sciences Technological Park. 4. Neurosciences Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, Granada. 5. Spanish Network of Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada's node, Carlos III Health Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid. 6. Brain, Behavior and Health Excellence Research Unit, (SC2). University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To update the role of specific nutrients during infant development. RECENT FINDINGS: Several bioactive nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), iron, vitamins, proteins, or carbohydrates have been identified to exert an important role during the first 1000 days of life on infant growth, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota establishment and maturation. LC-PUFAs are structural constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), being essential in retinal development or hippocampal plasticity. Recently, components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFG) are being added to infant formulas because of their key role in infant's development. A high intake of proteins induces a faster weight gain during infancy which correlates with later obesity. Digestible carbohydrates provide glucose, crucial for an adequate functioning of CNS; nondigestible carbohydrates [e.g. human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)] are the main carbon source for gut bacteria. Iron-deficiency anemia during infancy has been associated with alterations of mental and psychomotor development. Folate metabolism, closely related to vitamins B6 and B12, controls epigenetic changes, whereas inadequate status of vitamin D affects bone development, but may also increase intestinal permeability and alter gut microbiota composition. SUMMARY: LC-PUFAs, proteins, carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins during early life are critical for infant's growth, neurodevelopment, and the establishment and functioning of gut microbiota.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To update the role of specific nutrients during infant development. RECENT FINDINGS: Several bioactive nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), iron, vitamins, proteins, or carbohydrates have been identified to exert an important role during the first 1000 days of life on infant growth, neurodevelopment, and gut microbiota establishment and maturation. LC-PUFAs are structural constituents of the central nervous system (CNS), being essential in retinal development or hippocampal plasticity. Recently, components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFG) are being added to infant formulas because of their key role in infant's development. A high intake of proteins induces a faster weight gain during infancy which correlates with later obesity. Digestible carbohydrates provide glucose, crucial for an adequate functioning of CNS; nondigestible carbohydrates [e.g. human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)] are the main carbon source for gut bacteria. Iron-deficiency anemia during infancy has been associated with alterations of mental and psychomotor development. Folate metabolism, closely related to vitamins B6 and B12, controls epigenetic changes, whereas inadequate status of vitamin D affects bone development, but may also increase intestinal permeability and alter gut microbiota composition. SUMMARY:LC-PUFAs, proteins, carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins during early life are critical for infant's growth, neurodevelopment, and the establishment and functioning of gut microbiota.
Authors: Kefeng Li; Kerri Bertrand; Jane C Naviaux; Jonathan M Monk; Alan Wells; Lin Wang; Sai Sachin Lingampelly; Robert K Naviaux; Christina Chambers Journal: Pediatr Res Date: 2022-09-15 Impact factor: 3.953