Micronutrients affect children's growth and cognition

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Doan Ngoc Quynh Tram - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Previous studies have provided strong evidence that malnutrition, protein deficiency, insufficient energy, iron and iodine deficiency at an early age lead to impaired cognitive function and growth child growth. Recently, research results continue to show that micronutrients also play a role in the development of young children.

1. Micronutrients affect children's growth and cognition

Pregnant women and children under the age of 5 are especially susceptible to micronutrient deficiencies. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a series of guidelines on nutritional supplements for pregnant women and young children. Nutritional supplements can not only improve growth and physical health, but also greatly affect children's cognition. Achieving optimal early development is important because it is a reliable premise for later health, education and happiness.
Experimentally, the consequences of high doses of vitamin A that cause excess or deficiency of vitamin A have been shown to lead to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in children. A meta-analysis of intervention trials with vitamin A levels found an overall reduction in all-cause mortality by 23% when vitamin A was maintained at stable levels. Children with growth retardation, especially stunting, have been reported to have clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency.
In addition, a deficiency of zinc - a substance necessary for the synthesis of DNA and proteins - will lead to to growth retardation and delayed sexual maturation. Premature babies will benefit from the use of zinc in supporting their growth.
Zinc also plays an important role in brain function based on strong evidence from animal experiments. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy in mice, rats, monkeys will cause impaired learning ability, decreased attention and poor memory in their offspring. However, human data are still scant and inconclusive.
Regarding brain function and cognition, other micronutrients also have a great influence such as:
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves eyesight and brain development in young children; Folate supplementation during pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects in infants; Selenium deficiency in animals affects the activity of enzymes necessary for the development and function of the brain. Although there is ample evidence that micronutrients other than iron and iodine may be important for child growth and brain development, more controlled studies in humans are needed.

2. At what stage should focus on supplementing micronutrients?

Amount of nutrients appears to be an important factor for optimal cognitive development. Supplementing with 5 or more micronutrients has far more powerful benefits than supplementing with single nutrients. This is related to the fact that many nutrients are deficient at the same time - a problem that is relatively common in developing countries. Providing multiple nutrients at the same time will help close the gap and prepare the optimal foundation for brain development.
Childhood needs iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B2, protein supplements... these substances are particularly effective in improving cognitive outcomes although the exact mechanism is not well understood, although Most are, however, related to the role these nutrients play in early brain development. For example, protein plays an important role in brain development and cognitive ability, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is needed to metabolize fatty acids involved in the development of brain cells...
Time The timing of micronutrient supplementation is very important for a child's cognitive development, as our brains develop fastest during the first years of life, so supplementation programs are implemented from 6 - 18 months of age will provide the greatest benefit of all age groups. On the other hand, nutritional supplementation during the first 3 months of pregnancy is actually beneficial for the cognitive development of the child.
Important issues to be aware of include: what single and macronutrients should be added to the diet, the actual deficiency status of the individual, indicators that the child is responding well and influencing factors such as environmental, psychological and social. Prenatal nutritional supplements should be targeted at pregnant women during the first trimester for optimal cognitive development benefits.
In addition, in order to prevent diseases that babies often get, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve children's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
Please visit the website Vinmec.com regularly and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.
References: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, nature.com