Malnutrition and mental retardation in children

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1. The relationship between malnutrition in children and mental retardation

2. The role of nutrition in intellectual development in children

Children's mental retardation is caused by nutrient deficiencies early in life based on two factors that are the time of nutrient deficiency and the brain's need for that nutrient. For example, the risk of iron deficiency varies with the age of the child, and the highest incidence is seen in the fetal and neonatal period. Therefore, pregnant women are recommended to take iron and folic acid supplements to prevent congenital neural tube defects. The ideal time to take iron and folic acid supplements according to obstetricians and gynecologists is at least 3 months before planning a pregnancy.
In addition, all nutrients in a child's diet are important for brain development and function, but some nutrients have a particularly significant effect during early development. head. The effects of nutrient deficiencies on the developing brain may become a risk factor for mental retardation in children.
Although it is difficult to prove biological evidence for the effects of single nutrients on brain development in young children. However, it has been observed that malnutrition in children also increases the risk of infectious diseases, a tendency to delay speech, difficulties with movement, communication, or limitations in intellectual development as well as other mental health problems. Necessary social skills.

2.1. Macronutrients

Protein Protein deficiency is a factor causing fetal malnutrition. This is one of the most common manifestations of malnutrition in children worldwide.
Accordingly, scientists have demonstrated the importance of macronutrients, specifically protein, during prenatal and early childhood, for children to achieve a complete development trajectory. mentally and physically. In which, early growth characteristics after birth is also a key determining factor. Specifically, if the growth rate attains a linear shape before 12 months of age and the birth weight of the infant before 4 months of age, there will be a significant impact on the child's intelligence quotient (IQ) by the age of 9.
In contrast, preclinical models of early life malnutrition indicate that protein or energy restriction results in a smaller infant brain with reduced RNA and DNA content, fewer neurons, and a smaller head and tail structure. simpler spines and synapses, and reduced levels of neurotransmitters and essential growth factors.
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Positive effects of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation - especially docosohexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood has long been recognized. In some studies, supplementation with unsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy and early after birth has also been linked to improved cognition and attention, helping children learn faster as they get older.
Preclinical models suggest that DHA is required for neurogenesis and neuronal migration, membrane fatty acid composition and fluidity, as well as promoting synapse formation. In particular, the visual system and areas of the prefrontal cortex that regulate attention, learning and behavioral control will also form earlier if the fetus is provided with enough DHA.

2.2. Micronutrients

When children are guaranteed to provide enough of the 3 most common micronutrients, iron, zinc and iodine, it can increase IQ by 10 points.
Iron Many human studies have demonstrated the important role of iron in brain development in young children. In general, there is a consensus among health organizations in the principles that iron deficiency prevention and holistic development of infants. Iron is necessary for the normal anatomical development of the fetal brain, myelin formation, and the development and function of the dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Moreover, iron is also involved in regulating the learning function of the brain when children are at the age of weaning.
Zinc Preclinical models indicate that zinc is required for normal nerve formation and migration, myelinogenesis, synaptic formation, and regulation of neurotransmitter release in neurons, especially in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and fetal autonomic nervous system. When zinc deficiency in the early stages of life, children will be slow to develop and lead to poorer learning, attention and memory compared to children provided with enough zinc.
Iodine The unique role of iodine in brain development is to aid in thyroid hormone synthesis. The developing brain of the fetus is most susceptible to iodine deficiency during the first trimester. Accordingly, severe iodine deficiency can cause congenital hypothyroidism, causing the child to have cretinism, accompanied by hearing, speech, gait and IQ defects. Therefore, aggressive iodine supplementation during early pregnancy in women at risk of iodine deficiency results in better cognitive outcomes in later-born children.

3. Necessary nutrition to help children develop thinking

A baby's brain development begins in the womb during pregnancy, but it doesn't end there. Here are some nutrition regimes so parents can optimize their child's brain development during childhood:
Eat a nutritious diet as soon as you find out you are pregnant: Adjust any nutritional deficiencies can be acquired and maintained at a healthy body weight. Actively take vitamins if planning to get pregnant, especially iron and folic acid. Breastfeeding if possible: At the same time, mothers also need to make sure to continue eating a nutrient-rich diet, with particular emphasis on DHA, iron and zinc. Also, plan on starting iron supplements at 4 months if breastfeeding as directed by your pediatrician. If formula-fed, use milk fortified with iron and DHA. For both breastfed and formula-fed babies, start introducing solids around 6 months. The supply of iron and zinc from breast milk will decrease while the baby's requirements for these nutrients continue to increase after this point. Meat and iron-fortified cereals and cereals should be focused on in addition to the essential nutrients for children learning to eat solids in their daily diet. Don't be discouraged by picky eaters: During the toddler years, children can become picky eaters, restricting their portions and the nutrients they receive on a daily basis. At this point, parents need to adopt a “every bite counts” mindset, focusing on meals and snacks that offer a variety of foods that introduce new flavors, dishes, and textures. It is important to introduce healthy fat sources, especially fish, to help children optimal intellectual development. On the contrary, be careful with too many sweets and junk foods, as they can deprive your child of nutrients important for the brain health of young children. During childhood and adolescence, focus on the quality of the diet. Parents focus on making healthy, nutritious food choices, specifically targeting meats, fish, beans, nutrient-rich whole grains, vegetable fats, eggs, nuts and nut butters, and plenty of fruit. plants and vegetables to maintain a varied daily diet for children. In a nutshell, healthy baby brain development begins very early in the pregnancy and continues throughout childhood. This is the foundation to help children develop thinking, affecting their social-emotional skills. At this time, a varied diet, full of essential nutrients for the brain, is the key for children's comprehensive growth, preventing the risk of malnutrition in children as well as mental retardation later on.
Besides changing the diet, living habits and exercise, the baby needs to add the necessary micronutrients: Zinc, selenium, chromium, Vitamins B1 and B6, Ginger, acerola fruit extract (vitamins). C),... to improve taste, eat well, reach the correct height and weight, and exceed standards, have a good immune system, enhance resistance to less sickness and less digestive problems.
The improvement of symptoms can take place for a long time, so it is recommended that parents be calm and persistent when supplementing with nutrients for children, even through eating or functional foods. In particular, the use of functional foods should choose those of natural origin that are easily absorbed, do not allow simultaneous use of many types or continuously change the types of functional foods.
For more nutritional knowledge and child care for each age, parents should regularly visit the website vimec.com and make an appointment with the leading doctors, pediatric and nutrition experts of the National General Hospital. Vinmec when needing advice on children's health.